Mental health care crisis continues under BrumbyFriday, January 29, 2010 Another year and another poor report card for Victoria’s crisis-ridden mental health system under the Brumby Labor Government, Shadow Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said today. The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2009 reveals that the Victorian Government’s spending on mental health services has plummeted to sixth compared to other states and territories, and is well below the Australian average. "Ten years ago, Victoria was a leader in mental health investment, yet under Labor, investment, commitment and leadership has deteriorated," Ms Wooldridge said. "Victoria has a declining number of mental health beds, more people failing to access care in the community prior to presenting at hospital and patients are waiting longer in emergency departments to access a bed. "After almost a decade in government, Labor’s mental health system is too complex and fails to link people to the services they need," Ms Wooldridge said. The report also shows an increase in the suicide rate for people aged 15 to 24, leaving Victoria with a suicide rate above the national average. "The Brumby Government’s failure to invest in early intervention and suicide prevention has resulted in more than 400 Victorians committing suicide each year and we know that many more are being hospitalised for intentionally harming themselves," Ms Wooldridge said. "Labor has allowed the crisis in the mental health system to perpetuate and failed to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness. "Vulnerable Victorians continue to suffer under the Brumby Government’s inaccessible mental health system. "The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition is committed to providing timely support and appropriate services to people with a mental illness," Ms Wooldridge said.
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