Whyalla Mental Health Services

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (14:32): My question is to the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. How is the South Australian government improving mental health services in Whyalla?

Mr Bell: Cutting beds, like they did in Mount Gambier.

The SPEAKER: The member for Mount Gambier is called to order.

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:32): I thank the member for his question. Could I also acknowledge the member for Giles' advocacy on behalf of his electorate. It's always strong, and he has been very vocal about improving mental health in the local communities that he represents.

Whyalla is in a time of great uncertainty. The financial and emotional stress this is causing to local families is significant. It is a time of great uncertainty. We must be mindful of how these stresses will impact on the mental health and wellbeing of any community in our state. Just at this crucial time, when mental health services have never been more important to a local community, the federal Liberal government decides to rip out $20 million from mental health services in our state.

The South Australian government believes that good mental health is important to the Whyalla community. That is why the state government is funding $150,000 towards a Whyalla-based Suicide Prevention Network, that will specialise in the local steel industry and will be based on the highly successful work of MATES In Construction teamwork that they provide.

The new network will benefit local workers. It will also help them fight to remove the stigma regarding mental illness in our communities in an industry that traditionally does not talk well about these topics, whether it is suicide, suicide prevention or post prevention in the workplace. The South Australian government is also going to fund $8.5 million over the forward estimates to contribute towards the restoration of mental health services in Whyalla, a service that was at risk and due to close on 30 June because of the federal Liberal government cuts to mental health funding through the national partnership agreements lapsing.

Having only just recently caught up yesterday again with the country mental health team, I believe there is a lot of positive work still underway in this space, and there is more improvement that can be made for better outcomes for mental health consumers across the state. This extra funding from the South Australian government will also go a long way in the communities when they need it most. It will provide quality treatment and assist in the recovery of mental health consumers when they need it and at a time of great need in Whyalla.

Ultimately, this help will avoid them ending up in hospital emergency departments and it will ensure they are safe with their families in the communities where they are loved and cared for. I look forward to seeing the new MATES suicide prevention network develop, launch and come to maturity. I am also pleased that this government is standing up for Whyalla, despite the Turnbull government ripping $8.5 million of cuts from this region and leaving these people adrift.

Mr Goldsworthy interjecting:

The SPEAKER: No more lugubrious interjections from the member for Kavel. I call him to order. The leader.