Turnbull to tip $192m into mental health | ELECTION 2016

Announcing the spending at the Liberal party campaign launch on Sunday, Mr Turnbull said new regional mental health services would be delivered through the nation’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs), including guaranteed funding for Headspace and six Early Psychosis Youth Services.

The government would prioritise 10 PHN lead sites to trial innovative approaches in mental health at a cost of $26 million, including four specifically focused on suicide prevention.

Additionally, eight more Suicide Prevention trial sites would be funded throughout regional Australia, bringing the number to 12.

Canning MP Andrew Hastie said the Perth South PHN would spearhead new models of regional suicide prevention, including integration of suicide prevention and mental health activity.

“Perth South PHN suicide prevention activities across Canning will focus on community education, integrating services at the local level, and effective post-discharge follow up,” he said.

“The Coalition Government understands the significant impact of depression, anxiety and poor mental health on individuals and our productivity as a nation.

“These mental health reforms will result in better personalised support and care, greater opportunity and better lives for people in Canning.”

Mr Turnbull said he was committed to addressing the challenges of mental health and suicide.

“As a society we need to be alert to mental illness and remove the taboo on discussing it, which is why we are talking more often and openly about mental health issues," he said.

In April, Mr Turnbull met with Canning MP Andrew Hastie and Mandurah community leaders including Mandurah MP David Templeman and Dawesville MP Kim Hames to hear pleas for more resources to respond to a number of self-harm incidents by Mandurah teenagers, including five suicides.

As a consequence, Mr Turnbull and Mr Hastie announced $2 million to build a Peel Youth Medical Services health hub in Mandurah.

Labor Canning candidate Barry Winmar welcomed the funding, but said a Shorten Government would “target a 50 per cent reduction in suicides nationally over the next 10 years”.

“Any efforts aimed at reducing suicide rates is welcome, particularly in parts of Canning like Mandurah where youth suicide rates are abnormally high,” he said.

“I recently signed the pledge to take action to reduce suicide and I support Suicide in Australia's plan for suicide prevention.”

Support is available by calling Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 131 114, or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.