Community carries mental health load under disinterested government

The Federal Member for Bass Ross Hart MP, will today speak out for Mental Health and homelessness and how essential caring communities have become lifesavers in the absence of any long-term Government policy.

Mr Hart said “homelessness is of course a scourge in itself, but we need to be aware that there is also a correlation between the presence of mental health issues and homelessness.”

While in December the Government provided a year’s extension to homelessness funding, service providers are crying out for certainty to allow them to retain staff and premises and plan services for long-term, complex-needs of clients.

“We need to remind ourselves we lose more people to suicide every year than the road toll – that’s why Labor supports positive community responses to change this devastating statistic,” said Mr Hart.

“This Saturday 18 February from 2pm–5pm, Stephen Johnstone and Rod Lambert, with support from Beyond Blue are putting on a Suicide Prevention Event, to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, at Lloyd’s Hotel.

“It is people like Stephen and Rod, and Kristen Ritchie who began ‘Launceston feeding the homeless’ that exemplify people in our community who are unwilling to sit idly by in the absence of any Government intervention.

“Government must provide support at a practical level to ensure the burden of cuts to social welfare does not fall on our volunteers. A just society demands that we ensure that people do not fall through the cracks.”

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
ROSS HART MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BASS