HEADSPACE LOCKED OUT OF DECISION MAKING ABOUT HEADSPACE

Senate Estimates has revealed the Turnbull Government failed to consult with headspace on a key decision regarding the organisation’s services: its own expansion. 

 

The decision to fund a new service in Lithgow, in the electorate of a Nationals MP, was announced by Senator Bridget McKenzie after she became Deputy Leader of the party.

 

The Department of Health confirmed the Turnbull Government did not consult headspace National on its decision to open the new satellite service.

 

SENATOR DEBORAH O’NEILL: Was headspace Head Office consulted by the Department regarding Lithgow?

 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIAL: They were not consulted …  prior to the decision around Lithgow.

 

 

 

The Lithgow decision was inconsistent with previous advice from the Department on the prioritisation of opening new services.

 

Estimates also revealed the funding for this new service will come from the existing budget for previously announced headspace sites, further stretching service delivery that is already overstretched.

 

Labor has a strong history of supporting the headspace model and supports expansion of mental health services for young Australians. But the Government must make decisions affecting young people based only on the best advice.

 

It is simply unacceptable that the Turnbull Government is making decisions about the future of headspace without consulting experts in the field.