Mental Health

Smith argued that mental health issues in regional areas often emerge six months after natural disasters, once immediate recovery tasks are completed. Smith noted that disaster funding included provisions to address the human cost and mental health toll of such events. Smith mentioned ongoing challenges for displaced residents in Holloways Beach and Wujal Wujal. Smith highlighted upgrades to headspace in Cairns and the establishment of a Medicare mental health clinic to assist with future disaster responses.

Claydon supported the motion, stating that the government is delivering a historic $1.1 billion commitment to mental health services. Claydon announced a new Medicare mental health centre in Charlestown, part of a national network of 91 centres providing free, bulk-billed care. Claydon detailed the expansion of headspace into headspace Plus for young people and the creation of 20 youth specialist care centres. Claydon also listed other initiatives, including perinatal centres, restored telehealth rebates, psychology scholarships, and the National Early Intervention Service launching in January.