Residents across western Victoria will finally have access to the mental health support they need and deserve under a Liberal and Nationals Government, with Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy today announcing a commitment for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Horsham.
The service was a recommendation of the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. But despite promising in 2023 to establish a service in the region, the Labor government has consistently failed to do so.
Mental Health Locals provide free treatment, care and support for adults experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns through outreach, visiting clinicians and virtual specialist care.
No referral is necessary, and there are no out of pocket costs for people accessing the service.
Ms Kealy, also the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, said the project was extremely important to local people and desperately needed, and would take pressure off GPs and emergency departments.
“Mental health support has never been more critical for our communities, who have faced consecutive summers with bushfires, drought conditions in many areas, and the increased pressure and stress of Labor’s appalling treatment of communities around energy and mining projects planned for our region,” she said.
“The Labor government’s decisions are having significant adverse impacts, particularly on farming communities. They feel their voices are not being heard by the government and that their agricultural land is being treated as vacant land.
“Major projects are being rolled out without consideration of the impact on local businesses, community and the economy, while rising costs of living and increased government taxes are only adding further pressure across our communities.
“A Mental Health and Wellbeing Local would ensure residents experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns have the ability to access clinical care, peer support workers, counselling, social work and other services closer to home.
“I thank the Wimmera councils, organisations and local residents who have continued to fight for these services, and I look forward to working alongside them to finally give our communities the mental health support they need and deserve.”
The Liberal and Nationals’ commitment will provide funding for site acquisition or redevelopment, clinical and consultation spaces, fit-out, telehealth and facilities for consumers, families, carers and lived-experience workers, as well as ongoing running costs.
Service planning for the project would happen within the first 100 days of forming government.
Ms Kealy said the commitment was part of the Liberal and Nationals’ team Fair Share Guarantee, locking in 25 per cent of the state’s infrastructure investment for regional Victoria.