Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
Better Access Initiative for mental health has been made less accessible by federal Labor government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has condemned Labor's decision to cut additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the previous federal government introduced 10 additional sessions to support Australians after a tumultuous couple of years. "At a time of increasing need due to natural disasters and the pandemic, it's extraordinary that Labor would cut people's access to mental health professionals."
Access to mental health support is critical right now for all Gippslanders who are struggling and this decision will see those needing support going without, says Darren Chester
Reconsider and reinstate
Mr Chester also said, "The previous federal government increased the Better Access Initiative from 10 sessions to 20 sessions to support the community facing the impacts of major traumatic events. As a region we are still dealing with the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires, coronavirus pandemic, storms, floods and now the increasing cost of living crisis."
"Access to mental health support is critical right now for all Gippslanders who are struggling and this decision will see those needing support going without. I urge the Labor government to reconsider and reinstate the additional 10 subsidised sessions so Gippslanders can access the psychological support they need." Mr Chester said.
For any Gippslanders struggling with mental health issues support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Pictures from Mental Health Consultant - South, Central and West Gippsland Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Latrobe Valley overlooked in Labor's renewable energy plan, with jobs diverted to Horsham instead
Melina Bath highlights increasing demand for financial counsellors as cost of living pressures worsen for Gippslanders
Russell Broadbent presents petition against 'Mis and Disinformation Bill: A Threat to Free Speech and Australian Democracy'
Southern Rural Water to auction 2,897 megalitres of seasonal allocation in Macalister Irrigation District
Baw Baw Shire Councillors elect Danny Goss as Mayor and Tricia Jones as Deputy Mayor for the first term
Future energy mix: Gippslanders support nuclear power alongside renewables for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy
Melina Bath criticises Labor over poor digital connectivity in Fish Creek, urging action for emergency services
Tim Bull criticised CFA office closures in Bairnsdale, warning of increased fire risks and operational challenges
Chester calls for support for Wildcats at Gippsland's all abilities basketball tournament International Day of Disability
Wellington Shire Council elects Scott Rossetti as Mayor and Cindy Madeley as Deputy Mayor for the upcoming term
