The State Government must urgently review mental health services as Queensland reaches breaking point.
Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates said too many Queenslanders were missing out on the vital support they needed and were falling through the cracks.
“Just as we’ve seen with the Queensland Health Crisis, mental health services in this state are at breaking point,” she said.
“This is the hidden pandemic and it’s spreading deeper into our state every day.
“The LNP understands the seriousness of this issue and that’s why we have a Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health.
“The State Government needs to stop blaming everyone else and focus on fixing this crisis.”
Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Rob Molhoek said vulnerable Queenslanders desperate to access mental health support were waiting months for appointments and presentations to emergency departments were reaching unprecedented levels.
It’s hitting all corners of our community, young and old and too many vulnerable Queenslanders are not getting the support they need,” he said.
“This issue was growing before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but now it’s a full-blown crisis.”
Ms Bates said the State Government should look at what is being achieved by other states and territories to boost mental health support and availability here in Queensland.
“Other states are prioritising mental health funding because they know the impact it is having on their communities. Tragically, Queensland isn’t doing the same,” she said. “The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of all Queenslanders presents a significant public health challenge that requires urgent intervention and additional financial support from the State Government now.”
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