Dan Tehan, Member for Wannon, was joined by Senator Kerrynne Liddle, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Health Services, Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence, to announce that an elected Coalition Government will deliver a $3.1 million investment in Ararat to deliver a Headspace, ensuring young people and families have access to the local mental health services they need, close to home.
Mr Tehan has been advocating hard for this funding to strengthen regional mental health support and provide better facilities for our youth, also bringing Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, and Senator Anne Ruston to Ararat to meet key stakeholders recently.
“I’ve heard from many families and young people about the urgent need for better mental health support in our region. If re-elected, I will deliver this critical investment to improve access and strengthen community care,” said Mr Tehan.
The Coalition has already delivered improved mental health services for young people in major towns across Wannon. It has funded, and secured ongoing funding, for Headspace centres in Warrnambool, Portland, Colac and Hamilton.
A future Headspace in Ararat would ensure that all major towns in Wannon are equipped to provide the support, stability and nurturing that young people who are not flourishing, need at this crucial moment in their lives.
“The consequences of failing to address and treat adolescent mental health conditions can have long-term repercussions,” said Mr Tehan. “Physical and mental health can be impaired, education, employment and overall well-being can be impacted, and opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling adult lives can be limited.”
Strong communities look after their most vulnerable. This is why we require significant investment in early intervention and preventative measures, targeted at young people.”
Mr Tehan said he was proud to be a part of a government that has invested approximately $2.1 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services and initiatives. "It is crucial that this level of investment in youth mental health continues into the future, including supporting new services," he said.
This project is part of the Liberals and Nationals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get Australia back on track.
To read more about our plan, visit https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan.
