The Albanese Labor Government has ripped away vital mental health support for vulnerable Australians by cutting the additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions introduced by the Coalition.
The Labor government voted for the cuts in the Senate on 15 December despite amendments from the Coalition seeking to maintain the status quo.
As part of our response to support Australians in tough times, the former Coalition Government doubled the number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions available through the Better Access initiative from 10 to 20.
Going into the holiday period with a new Covid wave peaking, the cost of living and energy bills sky rocketing, mental health support could not be more important for the local community in Casey.
But despite the significant pressures still impacting our community, the Labor Government has decided to slash access to psychology sessions in half.
Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi said these changes are particularly worrying for his community.
“Casey has become a desert when it comes to mental health support. First the Albanese Labor Government failed to fund the future of the Lilydale Youth Hub, and now they are slashing access to psychologist visits for Australians who are struggling,” he said.
“I met with Headspace Lilydale back in August and know they are at capacity, which amplifies the need for the Lilydale Youth Hub and access to alternate local mental health services.
“Access to mental health support is critical right now, particularly for young people in my electorate, and this decision in the midst of the holiday season is devastating,” Mr Violi said.
An independent evaluation of the Better Access Initiative recommended that the additional 10 sessions continue to be available and should be targeted towards those with complex mental health needs.
“It is staggering that Labor think now is a good time to rip away access to vital mental health support. They need to stop their heartless attacks on mental health services that Australians are relying upon and explain why they have gone against the recommendations of the independent review,” Mr Violi said.
At Headspace Lilydale in August.
