FED:$2 billion expected for mental health

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2011
FED:$2 billion expected for mental health

By Susanna Dunkerley

CANBERRA, April 21 AAP - The federal government is expected to match the coalition's
boosted commitment to mental health by setting aside $2 billion in the May budget.

Both major parties are vying for the upper hand on the issue of mental health which
is expected to be the centrepiece of the upcoming federal budget.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon confirmed on Thursday that funding for the area would
be set aside in the budget, but wouldn't comment on the reported $2 billion figure.

Ms Roxon confirmed the spending on the same day federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott
extended the coalition's mental health policy, taking it to almost $2 billion.

In a speech at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Institute, Mr Abbott outlined
an extra $430 million worth of mental health initiatives, with a focus on job services.

The extra funding comes on top of $1.5 billion Mr Abbott promised during the 2010 election
campaign for 800 extra mental health beds and 80 intervention centres.

Labor's former mental health adviser Professor Mendoza welcomed Mr Abbott's package,
for recognising "a yawning gap in the government's actions" on mental health.

Prof Mendoza, who resigned from his advisory role in 2010 because of his concerns with
Labor's focus, expects the coalition's spend to be matched in the budget.

"There is talk ... a significant number being proposed (for mental health in the budget),"

he told ABC Radio on Thursday, flagging a figure of $2 billion.

But Prof Mendoza says money is unlikely to roll-out until 2014-15, creating "a credibility
problem" for government which had promised to prioritise mental health.

"Over four years that ($2 billion figure) could be substantial, but let's not gild
the lilly here and put all the money in the third, fourth and fifth year."

Ms Roxon refused to speculate on a figure but criticised the coalition's package.

"The cheers for the Liberal Party might soon turn to tears," she told ABC Radio, saying
the coalition would not be able to fund its promises.

Mr Abbott could not say where the money would come from but promised to outline savings
well before the next federal election.

He also downplayed suggestions the commitment was an attempt to get a jump on Labor.

"This is a long-term commitment of mine," he told ABC Radio.

"I want a fair go for people with mental health, and that's what they haven't had over
the past few years."

Mental health expert Patrick McGorry, who is meeting Treasurer Wayne Swan on Thursday
to discuss mental health, welcomed the political focus from both sides.

"We are seeing political leadership from across the spectrum," the former Australian
of the Year told ABC Radio.

AAP sld/sb/jnb

KEYWORD: MENTAL WRAP

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.