APY Lands, Mental Health

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (6 May 2015).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy): The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse has received this advice:

Through the Country Health SA Local Health Network, the South Australian government provides an extensive community based mental health service across country South Australia.

Mental health services in the APY Lands are managed and delivered through the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health service – Nganampa Health Council. The Nganampa Health Council has provided community based mental health services since 2007 with funding provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

In partnership with the Nganampa Health Council, Country Health SA Local Health Network provides a minimum of five visiting psychiatry services each year and has provided several Digital Telehealth Units which improve service accessibility and supplement psychiatrist visits. Private psychiatry services are also sourced from two other consultant psychiatrists.

The Women's and Children's Health Network also continue to provide in-reach services for Child and Adolescent Mental Health services.

In consideration of these services provided, Country Health SA Local Health Network is not intending to develop a stand-alone Mental Health Plan for the APY Lands.