Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Government is taking a best-practice approach to building a contemporary, integrated model of mental health care so people can get more holistic support at the right place and at the right time.
The 2020-21 State Budget includes $4.1 million to continue the Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program, which is the Government's response to recommendations made by the Mental Health Integration Taskforce.
The additional investment includes funding for a range of services designed to increase access and ensure no one falls through any gaps:
- $905,000 for additional community mental health staff in the North and North West to support the progressive implementation of new models of care for adult mental health services across the State;
- $580,000 to boost the psychiatric consultation and liaison service at the Royal Hobart Hospital to better meet the needs of the Emergency Department in assessing, diagnosing and managing mental health presentations; and
- $1.5 million to grow the lived experience workforce within Statewide Mental Health Services. Strengthening the presence of peer workers is a key action under the Government's Rethink Mental Health Plan.
This funding is in addition to over $25 million in the Budget for the redevelopment of the Peacock Centre and a new development at St Johns Park which will result in an additional 27 mental health beds.
This continued investment supports a long-term vision for a Tasmanian Mental Health System which includes more community support options and a reduced reliance on acute hospital-based services, including emergency departments.
We are also strengthening the focus on prevention and early intervention, and empowering our communities to understand and value their mental health and wellbeing as much as their physical health.
