Sarah Mitchell
Shadow Minister for Health
Shadow Minister for Regional Health
Shadow Minister for Mental Health
Susan Carter
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have today celebrated the completion of construction on the new 10-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Mitchell said the co-designed unit is a huge win for the local community, particularly young people who need specialist care.
"The new facility will allow our mental-health workforce to provide care and better support for young people and their families closer to home," Mrs Mitchell said.
Announced, funded and planned in 2019 as part of the former Coalition Government's $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the unit includes 10 single bedrooms with ensuites, specialised clinical spaces, learning and recreational spaces, and a designated carer's suite.
Mrs Mitchell expressed disappointment at the lengths the Minns Labor Government had gone to in politicising this announcement and claiming credit for it.
"Mental health is too important for political spin. The community deserves honesty about who did the work, and more importantly, transparency about what comes next," Mrs Mitchell said.
"With demand for mental health services continuing to grow, particularly for children and young people, the Minister needs to answer a simple question - what is the plan?"
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Susan Carter said today's announcement was lacking any sense of vision for mental health in NSW.
"Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has failed to announce any new major mental health infrastructure commitments of its own," Ms Carter said.
"Where is the innovation, where is the long-term strategy, and where are the new investments to ensure the system can meet future demand?"
The new unit is expected to be operational by mid-2026.
