Today's announcement of mental health support for business is welcome, but long overdue.
Labor Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Lovell said the mental health impacts of COVID-19 had been widely acknowledged since the start of the pandemic.
"The mental health of small business operators is incredibly important and we applaud any initiatives to support those who are doing it tough," Ms Lovell said.
"Lifeline should be commended for the work they have done throughout the pandemic, including establishing a COVID-19 specific helpline. They have shown real innovation and dedication to the mental health of Tasmanians
"However, it is concerning that the Liberal Government only began speaking about the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on businesses in the past week, in the context of their refusal to release the list of small business hardship grant recipients.
"We would question why it has taken so long for the Government to act.
"We would also question why this support has been capped to 1000 businesses. We know that more than 2800 businesses were awarded hardship grants, and many more missed out on support entirely.
Ms Lovell said there was a need for a much broader response to mental health in the upcoming State Budget.
"This year has had a very real impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many Tasmanians, and we need to see the Government respond to that with real action and investment. As one such action, we continue to call on the Government to adopt Labor's policy to employ mental health workers in all schools."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Mental Health
