HEADSPACE EXPANSION ON TRACK FOR MAYO

The Health Minister Greg Hunt has flagged expanded ‘headspace' services for the South Coast and the Adelaide Hills following a question in Parliament today from the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

During Question Time Mr Hunt told Rebekha that the Government was investigating avenues to increase mental health services for young people in Mayo, including more room for the ‘headspace’ satellite service in Mt Barker and a permanent presence in Victor Harbor.

“I welcome the update from the Minister during Question Time on an issue I campaigned strongly for during the recent by-election,” Rebekha said.

“I understand that the Minister’s office is yet to fine-tune the delivery of the extra services but I am confident the Mt Barker ‘headspace’ will get the extra room they need for clinical services and that Victor Harbor will eventually secure a  ‘headspace’ shop front, even if it is a part-time office in partnership with a local community organisation.

“I am confident of an announcement of the progression of these extra resources before Christmas.”

The progress of drug rehabilitation services promised for the electorate were also raised in question time.

The services are part of a three-year $40 million package negotiated by Centre Alliance as part of the Government’s welfare reforms and announced in the 2018/19 Federal Budget.

The package includes $20 million for specialist methamphetamine rehabilitation places in South Australia (including rehabilitation places for the Fleurieu) and $20 million to support GPs and other allied health professionals in regional and remote Australia to access professional development and specialist skills in addiction medicine

The first tranche of the training fund for GPs has already been announced.

“These services are so important in our community to help combat the ongoing ice epidemic across regional South Australia, including my electorate,” Rebekha said.

“I welcome the news from the Minister that grant applications for drug rehabilitation projects in South Australia will open by the 30th of November for ‘projects that will make a tangible difference’ within drug rehabilitation services or outreach programs.

“I know these services have the potential to save lives and project lives.”