Health and Community Services Union
| Press Release: HACSU Welcome Mental Health Budget |
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The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), which represents the professional and industrial interests of the Psychiatric Services workforce, has welcomed the 2009 State Budget Mental Health allocations in a difficult economic climate. “This budget shows that the State Government has a real commitment to its latest Mental Health Strategy by committing real money to its implementation,” said HACSU State Secretary Lloyd Williams.“In particular, we welcome the funding for up to 280 new mental health workers and $6.6 million for the development of the mental health workforce development and innovation institute. This will ensure robust improvements to mental health services and go someway towards addressing the workforce supply issues that the sector is currently experiencing,” said Mr Williams. Budget allocations for an additional 73 Mental Health beds in Dandenong will drastically improve the services available to those living in one of Melbourne’s growth corridors. Another welcomed addition is the funding for an additional 8 mental health beds at the Swanston Unit in Geelong. HACSU members have been lobbying for these beds for some time now as Geelong had the lowest distribution of mental health beds in the state. HACSU is pleased to see funding for two new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care Services in Bendigo and Frankston. This program has been modeled on a highly successful equivalent program for adults leading to an increase in much needed care for young Victorians as well as 20 new Psychiatric Services jobs. “This budget will mean an improvement in the care available to Victorians experiencing Mental Health issues. We recognise the minister’s commitment to this area of her portfolio which has not received the attention it deserves,” said Mr Williams. |