Gippsland › Latest news › Emma Kealy MP
Liberal Nationals support move to deliver hundreds of extra workers for Victoria's under-resourced mental health workforce
Government needs to boost mental health support through simple reforms to get them through the lockdowns.
The Andrews Labor Government is being urged to support simple reforms that will immediately deliver hundreds of extra workers for Victoria's under-resourced mental health workforce.
Mental Health Practitioners are ongoing employees based in Victorian Government secondary schools, they work flexibly, based on the needs and priorities of their schools and students
Mental health act that covers the workers
As Labor's six lockdowns continue to weigh on the youngest Victorians, now more than ever we need to look for ways to deliver an immediate boost to the mental health workforce in our schools.
An anomaly in the current legislation prevents people who are qualified as counsellors from offering guidance counselling services at Victorian schools. The Liberal Nationals will introduce a Private Member's Bill in State Parliament today to correct the definition of a 'mental health practitioner' under the Mental Health Act. Registered psychologists, registered nurses, social workers and registered occupational therapists are already covered by the Act.
Supporting students across the state
The Liberal Nationals propose to expand this definition to include registered counsellors, unlocking over 2,000 additional mental health workers to support students right across the state. Backed by the Australian Counselling Association, this is a small change that will make a world of difference to young Victorians by ensuring the right support is available, when they need it.
The proposal further builds on the Liberal Nationals' plan to restore hope and to plan for better mental health for all Victorians, including by deploying dedicated mental health specialists to all Victorian schools.
Getting through lockdowns
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said, "Our kids can't afford to wait any longer for more specialist support to help them and get through the isolation of lockdown."
"The mental health workforce is under intense pressure and in desperate need of more resources. This common-sense reform will unlock more mental health workers to provide the surge demand we need to deal with Victoria's shadow pandemic, which makes a world of difference to our youngest Victorians,"
"This common-sense reform will unlock more mental health workers to provide the surge demand we need to deal with Victoria's shadow pandemic, which makes a world of difference to our youngest Victorians." Ms Kealy said.
Pictures from Education Victoria website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Feedback wanted on draft Master Plan for Alex Goudie Native Park in Drouin by 2 June 2024
Community feedback wanted on new policy for celebrating significant dates in Baw Baw Shire by 31 May 2024
Box Hill Hawks and Bass Coast Shire Council announce free VFLW/VFL double-header in Wonthaggi on 12 May 2024