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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.

By news@gippsland - 23rd December 2022 - Back to News

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

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• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
  Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.