Victorian State Budget 2016/17 - Mental Health Victoria Statement

April 2016

Ticks For Investment In Prevention, But No Response To Looming Gap

The Andrews’ Government’s ‘Getting it done’ State Budget, deserves big ticks for the investment being made in some key areas of mental health need for Victorians. 

Mental Health Victoria welcomes the investment in mental health outlined in this budget, with a focus on prevention and reducing unnecessary admissions. In particular:

• Suicide prevention
• Youth
• Women’s specific PARC
• Diverse communities
• Forensic mental health services
• Support for families and children

‘We know that too many people are dying from suicide, so the Government’s commitment to saving lives is very welcome,’ said Kim Koop, Mental Health Victoria CEO.

‘However, it is disappointing that the budget does not directly address the looming gap between disability and acute services, as we see the transitioning of MHCSS funds to NDIS from May 2017. This means there is continuing uncertainty about the future of psychosocial rehabilitation services.’

‘It is a positive budget for mental health, however the introduction of NDIS will test the system capacity to adapt and meet the needs of consumers and families,’ said Ms Koop. ‘We are relieved to see that the Government does intend to monitor the risks associated with implementing full Scheme.’

‘Mental Health Victoria will continue to work with the State Government through the transition period, to ensure the impact on consumers, families and workers is understood and considered in future strategies.’

The Victorian Budget 2016-17 provides a $356 million investment in mental health, with a focus on providing better access to services and investing in prevention. The funding allocation to mental health includes:

• $59 million to rebuild Orygen Youth Mental Health clinical research facility in Parkville;
• $14.6 million to establish a new Early in Life Mental Health Service in conjunction with Monash Medical Centre;
• $8.4 million for a new Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care Service;
• $7.3 million for a new State-wide Child and Family Mental Health Intensive Treatment Centre.

More information:

For further analysis of the Budget visit the VCOSS website.

Access the Budget here.

View media releases from the Victorian Government:

• Helping Hand For Victorians Who Need It Most
• Our Aim Is To Save One Life Every Day
• Urgent Family Violence Investment Will Help Keep Women And Children Safe
• Victoria Continues To Lead The Nation On Equality

Read more through media outlets:

• ABC News - Victorian Budget 2016: key points
• Australian Financial Review - Victorian budget 2016: Property tax bonanza for Victoria
• The Age - Victorian state budget 2016: What you need to know
• The Austrailan - Victoria state budget 2016: transport, school infrastructure the focus