SENATOR ANNE URQUHART

CHIEF GOVERNMENT WHIP IN THE SENATE

SENATOR FOR TASMANIA

MEDIA RELEASE

FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE NORTH WEST BRINGS CONTINUITY FOR MUCH NEEDED SERVICES

$3 million in additional Federal Government funding for mental health services, announced last week, will allow important programs to continue in North West Tasmania.

Labor Senator Anne Urquhart is pleased that the result of her advocating hard within her own government has seen the continuation of funding, specifically for two very important programs for North West Tasmania.

This commitment demonstrates that the Albanese Labor Government understands that additional mental health services are vital to Building a Better Braddon.

Continuation of the funding to Rural Health Tasmania for the provision of services in relation to the Hillcrest school tragedy and the Wynyard boating tragedy is of vital importance to those in our community who utilise the services provided to assist them to deal with these traumatic events.

Senator Urquhart said, “I have advocated strongly for this funding to continue to ensure those affected continue to get the support they need. 

“People often need this support some time after a tragedy, and I am very pleased my advocacy has been listened to.”

Rural Health Tasmania acting CEO Lee Seymour said, “This is fantastic news for those who will need to utilise or continue to use these services, and we are grateful that they are remaining.

“For those that have experienced significant grief, loss or trauma, seeking out support is a key step in processing these events in a healthy way.

“We encourage those that are considering accessing support to reach out to discuss their mental health, whether it be via their GP, to a counselling hotline, a psychologist or to Rural Health Tasmania.”

If you are or your loved ones need urgent support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency call 000.

For non-urgent Mental Health support speak to your GP. Rural Health Tasmania is a locally based mental health service provider servicing the North West Coast and can be contacted for support on 6452 1266.   

Friday, March 17, 2023

Media contact: Susan Wallace: 0418 372 198