Hot off the press…..

Greens candidate for Brand, Dawn Jecks and Greens health spokesperson, Rachel Siewert have urged the Government to reconsider a decision to cut funding for social workers and occupational therapists from a major mental health program. Senator Siewert said the removal of more than one thousand social workers from the Better Access program was an example of government’s “inadequate” response to growing demands on mental health services.

“Front line mental health social workers are absolutely critical to an effective approach to mental health care. Many people will be unable to receive Medicare-funded assistance from mental health social workers if these cuts go ahead.” The Better Access program will lose the funding for 1100 social workers in April next year if the funding cuts go ahead.  The Greens opposed these changes when they were announced and we continue to oppose the Federal Government’s plan.

“If social workers and occupation therapists are removed from the Better Access program – the consequences for people who need mental health care will be dramatic,” said Senator Siewert. The Federal Department of Health and Ageing is currently reviewing the program but, despite the review not being finalised, the Government has already made the decision to axe social workers from the program.

Ms Jecks said she was “deeply troubled” by the decision. “Social workers and occupational therapists are essential to a comprehensive approach to mental health,” she said. “Mental health is a matter of national importance requiring the creation of a new position in cabinet – a dedicated Minister for Mental Health”.

The Greens are calling for and will fight for additional funding of at least $350million per year for mental health over the next four years. This additional funding will be used to fund; $100million every year in incentives at the primary care level to target those in need, the vulnerable and long-term clientele working within the community and NGO sector. $150million per year for early intervention mental health programs including ‘Headspace’ and early psychosis prevention services; $100million per year for alternatives to emergency department treatment such as multi- disciplinary community-based sub-acute services that supports ‘stepped’ (two-staged) prevention and recovery care.

The Greens believe that years of under-funding by successive Federal governments have resulted in a mental health system which is not working. The Greens will work to establish a new Minister of Mental Health to take responsibility for rapidly implementing the changes necessary to meet the needs of people with mental illness.

want to take action to fight these funding cuts?

Write to your MP.  Contact the federal health minister, Nicola Roxon, and tell her what you think!

Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon,
1 Thomas Holmes Street
Maribyrnong Vic 3032,

ph 9317 7077.

or email her your experiences and feelings on the matter

nicola@nicolaroxonmp.com

Make your voice count.

Also 10,000 signatures is required to try and change this by December 2010. Please add yours.  Can you help get signatures from friends, local GP practices, your community?  You can find the petition here.