Mount Gambier Mental Health Services

The Hon. S.L. GAME (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General, representing the Minister for Health, regarding mental health services in Mount Gambier.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: I have been contacted by residents of Mount Gambier, who have raised concerns about mental health issues affecting the local community. I have been made aware of the lack of adequate mental health support for young people experiencing issues that require early intervention to prevent serious mental health consequences. There are long waiting lists to access mental health services, with reports of some appointments taking up to a year. Unless children and young people are experiencing an acute mental health episode, there is nowhere to access early intervention. This is contributing to long-term mental illness. My questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Why isn't the government doing more to address mental health issues affecting our young people in regional South Australia, and why is there not a greater emphasis on early intervention?

2. Is the government aware of waiting times taking up to a year for mental health services for young people in Mount Gambier?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for her question. As the minister representing the Minister for Health in this chamber, I will be happy to pass those questions along to my colleague in the other place and bring back a reply.