Next week I’ll be hosting a community forum in Ashfield with my colleague Mark Butler, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing.
The Gillard Labor Government has a proud record on mental health and the recent Budget delivered the largest mental health package ever, with more than $2 billion in new measures.
When you add that to our new investments in acute care mental health beds, the Government’s commitment to mental health tops $2.5 billion over 5 years.
We’ve also committed $32 million for a new National Health Commission which will report directly to the Parliament.
Improving access and the quality of mental health services is something all of us should be concerned about.
Almost half of all Australians - 45 per cent - will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime, which means many Australians are directly affected.
Mr Butler will outline how the Government is delivering its investment and answer any questions residents may have on this important issue.
The forum will be held at Wests Leagues Club, 115 Liverpool Rd Ashfield, on Wednesday 19 October starting at 6.00pm. People can RSVP by calling my office on 9564 3588.