Horsham, Hamilton and Ararat communities are still waiting for the Allan Labor Government to fulfil its promise three years ago to increase mental health services.
Labor announced in 2023 that it would build Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in the three communities, but the continuing delay has prompted Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, to again call out the government’s failures in State Parliament.
The services provide free treatment, care and support for adults experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns.
“Three years after these announcements, there is still no sign of any funding flowing, no buildings are being planned and – most importantly – no indication that there is any improved access to mental health supports for our residents,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our communities have faced consecutive summers with bushfires, drought conditions in many areas, the increased pressure and stress of Labor’s appalling treatment of communities around energy and mining projects planned for our region, rising cost of living pressures, and increased government taxes.
“We have never needed access to mental health support more than we do at the moment, and yet Labor chooses to ignore us.
“Labor must be honest with our communities about when we can expect the promised services that we desperately need and deserve.
“The Nationals will always stand up for regional Victoria. We live it, we know it, and we fight for our communities’ fair share, and I will keep fighting to ensure the promised mental health support for our regions is delivered.”