Labor ready to work constructively on mental health

The release of the Rethink Mental Health report has identified there are a range of ways we can improve the provision of mental health services in Tasmania.

Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said mental ill health can affect any of us at any time.

“We must do more to promote awareness of how to respond and support people experiencing mental ill health and reduce the stigma associated with it, which still exists in the community,” Ms White said.

“People experience mental ill health in different ways, for some it is episodic in nature and for others it is a constant feature of their day to day life.

“This means we need to have a flexible and adaptive health system that can provide support to people that matches their level of need.

“The Rethink Mental Health report has clearly identified that in the future we should increase the amount and level of care offered through community based services and move away from a hospital focussed system of mental health care.

“The Report also notes it is important to give consideration to promotion, prevention and early intervention and that the issue must be dealt with as a whole of government and whole of community approach.

“This is consistent with the argument Labor has been making for investment in health to be made earlier and in communities.

“The range of services provided to support people with mental ill health in the community is inadequate and we can work across the Parliament to support a new strategic framework that provides better services right across Tasmania to help people stay well.

“Labor sincerely hopes that the 100 submissions made to the Rethink Mental Health project and the feedback from the 34 consultations are given proper consideration by the Liberal Government as it finalises a plan for a contemporary approach to mental health.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister