[Greens-Media] Appalling mental health funding uncertainty must end

[Forsyth, Danielle (Sen P. Wright)]

Senator Penny Wright
MEDIA RELEASE
8 December 2014

Appalling mental health funding uncertainty must end

Australian Greens spokesperson for mental health Senator Penny Wright says the Abbott Government must urgently guarantee funding for vital mental health services, as organisations report losing staff due to uncertainty<http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2014/s4144040.htm>.

"The Abbott Government has the final report of the National Mental Health Commission's review of mental health services and they should release this without delay to end the uncertainty for the sector," Senator Wright said.

"There is widespread concern that this review will be used to justify cuts to mental health services, which is why organisations are struggling to keep staff and maintain much-needed services in the short term.

"Health Minister Peter Dutton has been extraordinarily silent on mental health - but he must listen to the sector and move to guarantee that vital programs continue for some of the most vulnerable people in Australia."

Media contact: Danielle Forsyth - 0417 173 508