The McGowan Labor Government has committed a record $495 million investment in the Mental Health Commission in the 2021-22 State Budget.
The additional investment results in more than $1.114 billion allocated in 2021-22 to the Mental Health Commission to boost mental health, alcohol and other drug services - a massive 11 per cent increase from the previous year.
This record investment contains an additional $311 million for community supported accommodation and supports across Western Australia, including $135.7 million for delivering outpatient treatment services, to help people avoid hospitalisation and get the treatment and care they need in the community.
Community beds provide an alternative to hospital for people who need mental health or alcohol and drug supports. Funded initiatives include:
- $12.5 million for a purpose-built 20-bed alcohol and other drug withdrawal rehabilitation facility in the Perth metropolitan area;
- $25.5 million for Step Up/Step Down facilities that provide a community mental health service and short-term residential support; and
- $27.7 million for youth long-term housing and psychosocial support plus in-reach support packages to assist young people to live in the community while accessing mental health and AOD supports.
The funding boost also includes $129.9 million towards youth mental health services and initiatives - a key focus of this Budget. This includes:
- Expansion of the 'Alcohol.Think Again' Parents and Young People campaign to inform the knowledge and influence the behaviour of young people aged 12-17 to reduce alcohol-related harm;
- Expansion of the Strong Spirit Strong Mind program for Aboriginal youth into regional areas to help prevent the early uptake of alcohol and drug use;
- Establishment of a 10-bed youth-specific Step Up/Step Down community mental health service in the Perth metropolitan area, with 24/7 psychosocial and clinical supports;
- 30 psychosocial support packages for young people aged 16 to 24 with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues living in the metropolitan area, to assist them to live and participate in their community;
- Expanding the Youth Community Assessment and Treatment Team outreach service from the south metropolitan area to the wider Perth metropolitan area;
- 99 additional staff positions for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - 35 positions funded through the Mental Health Commission and a further 64 positions to be provided by the Child and Adolescent Health Service;
- Providing Drug Education Support Services at five metropolitan and seven regional Youth Accommodation Support Services; and
- Establishing a new youth mental health long-term housing and support program in the Perth metropolitan area.
Mental health services in regional Western Australia will also be boosted in this Budget with investments including:
- $17.6 million towards social and emotional well-being services for Aboriginal people in regional WA;
- $14.8 million for a South Hedland Step Up/Step Down facility to provide a community mental health service and short-term residential support;
- $8.6 million to fund regional Methamphetamine Action Plan initiatives, including expanding Community Alcohol and Other Drug services in the Peel region to build on the McGowan Government's comprehensive $473 million Methamphetamine Action Plan;
- $9.2 million to extend the Strong Spirit Strong Mind public education program;
- $1.7 million for Active Recovery Teams in the Wheatbelt and Mid-West, supporting people in their recovery journey to stay well in the community following a hospital stay; and
- Extending the Mental Health/Police co-response program into regional areas.
Regional communities will also benefit from the $31.7 million invested to expand State-wide eating disorder treatment programs.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is using its strong Budget surplus to provide a record investment in the Mental Health Commission that will provide contemporary mental health services.
"As part of our record investment, an additional $311 million is being invested in community‑based mental health services that are designed to treat people in more appropriate settings and reduce pressure on our hospitals.
"By investing in key services, like mental health, we continue to build strong, safe and fair communities."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The McGowan Government is committed to responding to the mental health needs of all Western Australians.
"It is absolutely a priority for us to ensure people receive the mental health care they need, in the most appropriate settings, particularly as the demand for services continues to increase.
"The investment announced today represents a record increase for mental health services, to support those needing acute care and people who require longer term support.
"We are investing in services that help people become mentally well, with a focus on delivering support in community settings."
Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 5800
