New mental health services for remote Australia

Labor has promised two new mental health facilities in remote Australia if it is re-elected on May 3.

Reducing suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is critical and the new services are part of a $1 billion investment into mental health services nationwide.

“What this will do is make sure that more Australians, particularly more young Australians, can get the help they need with this card here – their Medicare card,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

The election pledge includes the creation of 21 new and upgraded mental health centres, alongside 20 specialised youth care centres and training opportunities for 1,200 new mental health professionals.

“Of the new Headspace services, two of them will be established in remote communities,” Health M minister Mark Butler said.

“We hope that Headspace will be able to partner with Aboriginal-led services, probably Aboriginal medical services, to deliver them – that is new.”