Gippsland › Latest news › Emma Kealy MP
Secret report reveals Andrews Labor government lockdowned despite major mental health concern from expert
Victorian authorities continue to hold "major concern" with a substantial increase in demand for mental health services from children and teenagers, a confidential report has revealed.
The secret report, authored by the Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI) and obtained by the Liberals and Nationals under Freedom of Information, provides a harrowing assessment of the pandemic's impact on the wellbeing of young Victorians.
What is Daniel Andrews trying to hide? Why won't he agree to let Victorians see the public health advice that put us in lockdown for months on end?
Response with adequate resourcing and services
Presentations for intentional self-harm and suicide ideation rose 93 per cent in Victoria in the six weeks to 16 May 2021, compared to the same time in 2020. By comparison, presentations rose 68 per cent in NSW.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the Andrews Government had gone to great lengths to stop Victorians getting the full picture of the mental trauma caused by Labor's lockdowns.
"Young people are suffering in silence because the Andrews Labor Government chooses to keep this data secret. Without the full picture, we can't implement a proper response with adequate resourcing and services to meet demand." Ms Kealy said.
Lockdown response harming Victorians
Ms Kealy said, "Socially isolating young people from their friends and extended family dealt a heartbreaking blow, with growing evidence of increasing self-harm, eating disorders and presentations to hospital emergency departments for mental health related issues."
"Mental health experts sent clear warnings to the Andrews Government that its COVID response was harming Victorians, even briefing the Minister that people had taken their own lives - yet the Government still went ahead with further lockdowns."
Unlocking extra 4000 practitioners
Ms Kealy also said, "We had to fight tooth and nail to get the Government to release this data. Supporting people's good mental health will be crucial in the next few months as Victoria recovers and rebuilds."
"I'm urging the Government to support the Liberals and Nationals plan for immediate reform, including common sense legislative and funding changes that would unlock an extra 4000 practitioners for the mental health workforce."
The secret VAHI report flagged "substantially" higher demand for mental health services among young people, with emergency department presentations named as a specific concern in Victoria where "since June/July 2020, the rate of increase has escalated".
Pictures from Victorian Department of Health Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Bass Coast Shire Council draft 2024/25 Budget ready for community input prioritising $25M for climate-focused projectsCommunity feedback wanted on Wellington Shire Council draft 2024/25 budget by 6 May 2024
East Gippsland Shire Council starts remediation of Bastion Point groyne rock wall to address its deterioration
Photo contest winners from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority showcase regional waterway beauty
Wellington Renewable Energy Impact Study prioritises community input in renewable energy decisions and transition
East Gippsland Shire Council makes the expanded mobile library service permanent following successful trial
Search for new East Gippsland Water Managing Director as as Steve McKenzie East not to do another term after navigating bushfires and pandemic
Community feedback wanted on Latrobe City Council draft 2024/2025 Budget by 6 May 2024
Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on 1 May 2024 with open day on 7 May 2024
Tim Bull urges increased roads and health funding from horror Budget from wasteful Allen Labor government