“There is one person who is crucial to driving this change and prioritising mental health reform. Where is our prime minister?” Berriman will say,according to a copy of his speech.
“With one in five of us impacted by a mental health condition each year,why is mental health not a national priority and getting the attention of our prime minister?
“With suicide rates continuing to be high,and over nine people dying a day,why aren’t we focusing on our own nation’s wellbeing and mental health?”
The federal government has been quiet on mental health reform since its controversial decision last yearto revert the number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions from 20 a year to the pre-pandemic maximum of 10. While the measure allowed thousands more people to access the system,psychologists say it hasleft those with complex mental illnesses lacking support.
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The government is yet to respond to last year’sreview of the system,in which people wait a median of 22 days to see a professional and pay an average $90 out-of-pocket fee.
Labor has created peak bodies for carers and people with mental ill-health,funded 500 new post-graduate psychology places,and isopening 61 Head to Health centres for mental health support. However,the sector has called for more substantive reform.