Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
Better Access Initiative for mental health has been made less accessible by federal Labor government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has condemned Labor's decision to cut additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the previous federal government introduced 10 additional sessions to support Australians after a tumultuous couple of years. "At a time of increasing need due to natural disasters and the pandemic, it's extraordinary that Labor would cut people's access to mental health professionals."
Access to mental health support is critical right now for all Gippslanders who are struggling and this decision will see those needing support going without, says Darren Chester
Reconsider and reinstate
Mr Chester also said, "The previous federal government increased the Better Access Initiative from 10 sessions to 20 sessions to support the community facing the impacts of major traumatic events. As a region we are still dealing with the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires, coronavirus pandemic, storms, floods and now the increasing cost of living crisis."
"Access to mental health support is critical right now for all Gippslanders who are struggling and this decision will see those needing support going without. I urge the Labor government to reconsider and reinstate the additional 10 subsidised sessions so Gippslanders can access the psychological support they need." Mr Chester said.
For any Gippslanders struggling with mental health issues support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Pictures from Mental Health Consultant - South, Central and West Gippsland Facebook page.
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
ACV/GARDS gets $560K for Gippsland asbestos victims and additional $19.3M for asbestos removal from Victorian Labor government
AstraZeneca admission of blood clot risks prompts concerns about misinformation in Australian push for COVID-19 vaccinations
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
Darren Chester presses for federal backing on proposed roundabout on Maffra-Sale Rd intersection to complete partial funded from Victorian government
Nationals push for ban on telemarketing and door-knocking of Victorian Energy Upgrade scheme in Latrobe Valley