2017-08-29
The Greens have today criticised the Government’s “inadequate and half-hearted” commitment to funding specialist mental health services for the LGBTIQ+ community on the lead up to the postal plebiscite on Marriage Equality.
Spokesperson for Mental Health Hon. Alison Xamon MLC said while she was relieved the Government had recognised the need for increased mental health assistance ahead of the survey, yesterday’s announcement still falls short of what was likely to be needed.
“The $30,000 provided to Living Proud falls woefully short of the $80,000 which was pulled from the organisation by the McGowan Government in June,” Ms Xamon said.
“What had served as key funding for that critical organisation had ceased and it has meant it has had to wind back its activity and also some of its activity with telephone and web counselling service, QLife.
“The $30 000 that will be made available up to November this year is for the purpose of seeing whether there is some way that it can find ongoing funding. And it remains unclear what will become of Living Proud come January.
“Restoring less than half of the funding needed to adequately run the organisation is insulting at best and negligent at worst. There is still no long-term solution proposed.
”Likewise, the funding for suicide prevention was always in the budget and had been announced long before the Federal Government decided to undertake its divisive postal survey on equal marriage. Although I am glad the timing for the call for tenders has been brought forward, it is not new money.”
Ms Xamon said she remained very concerned about the wellbeing of members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
She said now was not the time to look at any reduction in funding for specialised mental health services for the LGBTIQ+ community, particularly considering what has happened globally with demand for these services as people have become more and more distressed during divisive public debates.
“We have already gone backwards in funding these essential mental health and suicide prevention services, the announcement today isn’t really promising anything new and my calls for urgent investment in this space remain.” Ms Xamon said.