Cuts put rural lives at risk

Greens candidate for Lyons, Fraser Brindley, is calling on the Federal Government to urgently rethink their cut to mental health service, Rural Alive and Well.

“Tasmania is the only State in the country with a rising suicide rate. This is not the time to be cutting mental health services to regional Tasmania,” Mr Brindley said.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work over many years by a lot of committed people to de-stigmatise mental health issue, and asking for help, in rural areas.”

“This is a matter of life and death for rural Tasmanians.”

Rural Alive and Well’s staff and volunteers are able take the time to sit down and have a chat in the comfort of someone’s home, or be there when someone is at breaking point. This kind of help plays an important part to getting people on the path to better health.”

“The Federal Government’s decision to cut funding to Rural Alive and Well is shocking. State Liberal MPs must do everything within their power to get their Canberra colleagues to reverse their decision on Rural Alive & Well’s funding.”

“RAW’s services are critical in more isolated places like the Derwent Valley and the Tasman Peninsula where people aren’t always able to get to services in town when they need them.They are able to get out among communities, and build trust in a way other services can’t.”

“Rural Alive & Well provide local and accessible services that make it easier for people to take the first step, and can be there when they are needed in times of serious mental health distress. Country communities rely the kind of support RAW provide, and no politician should forget that,” said Mr Brindley.
Greens candidate for Lyons, Fraser Brindley