The Opposition said the 2022-23 state budget included $60 million in cuts from mental health programs, with funding discontinued for services addressing perinatal anxiety and depression, and crisis helplines supporting people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Opposition mental health spokesperson Emma Kealy said when asked about the cuts in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Mental Health Minister James Merlino said the services were “no longer required”.
Ms Kealy said the Shepparton community would also be hit by $40 million in cuts to drug and alcohol treatment and prevention efforts.
“We know the mental health of all Victorians suffered through the pandemic, with crisis support lines reporting a skyrocketing number of calls for help and more young people experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression and eating disorders,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Shepparton community has made it clear that more mental health support services — not less — is a local priority.”
The May budget did deliver $196 million for regional mental health infrastructure, which includes the full replacement and expansion of the mental health unit at Goulburn Valley Health.
The new facility will expand by 15 the number of inpatient treatment places available.
However, Ms Kealy said the loss of critical support services was poorly timed.
“There’s never been a more important time to ensure that support services keep their funding so we can reach the overwhelming number of people who need it,” she said.
Ms Kealy said workforce shortages in the sector also needed to be addressed.
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