A Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver sweeping reforms to reset Victoria’s mental health system and build a world-leading model of mental health care for young Victorians.
At the heart of the youth mental health commitment will be a new Youth Mental Health Centre of Excellence, overseen by leading youth mental health organisation Orygen.
The Centre will drive a comprehensive approach to youth mental health and suicide prevention, bringing together the best research, clinical expertise and innovation to improve the care young people receive across Victoria.
A Liberal and Nationals Government will also invest $5 million to masterplan a new standalone youth mental health facility at Parkville, completing planning, clinical service design and detailed costings by June 2030.
The new facility will host up to 50 specialist youth inpatient beds for young people aged 12 to 25, alongside specialist community services, prevention and recovery care, Hospital in the Home, research and innovation.
The youth mental health investment will sit alongside a broader mental health reset to get Victoria’s stalled mental health reforms back on track.
The sweeping reforms will:
- Independently review implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations.
- Audit mental health reform expenditure and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy.
- Deliver a new Mental Health Workforce Strategy within 100 days, backed by a $50 million Targeted Mental Health Workforce Fund.
- Review the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to strengthen its independence, powers and system-wide oversight.
- Publish a Mental Health Reform Blueprint with clear priorities, responsibilities, timeframes, funding and measurable outcomes.
- Reform the governance of the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) and integrate its management with Orygen.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said the announcement was a critical plank in the Liberals and Nationals’ focus on improving health services for people right across the state.
“Ensuring every Victorian has access to world-class mental health care is a priority for my team,” Ms Wilson said,
“Our comprehensive mental health plan means more beds, better services and a clear direction for the future of this vital care sector for decades to come.”
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the two commitments would provide a fresh start for a mental health system that had lost its way.
“Five years after the Royal Commission, too many Victorians are still waiting too long, travelling too far or reaching crisis point before they can get the mental health care they need,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our mental health reset is about fixing those fundamental problems – finding out what has and hasn’t been delivered, where the money has gone, rebuilding the workforce and restoring accountability to the system.
“We want Victoria to lead the world in youth mental health care.
“For a young person struggling with their mental health, the system shouldn’t be a maze. They shouldn’t have to become sicker before they qualify for help, and their parents shouldn’t be left desperately ringing service after service trying to find someone who can help.
“The Youth Mental Health Centre of Excellence will help build a system around young people, from prevention and early intervention through to specialist treatment, acute care, housing and recovery.
“A Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver a fresh start, resetting the reforms that have gone off track while building a world-leading youth mental health system for the next generation.”