A VITAL mental health service promised to Bunbury nearly two years ago should be made a priority over new sports stadiums and quayside developments for Perth, according to South West MLC Dr Sally Talbot.
Dr Talbot raised the issue of Bunbury’s step-up, step-down mental health facility, promised to the city by mental health minister Helen Morton in February 2013, in parliament last month.
This comes amid reported frustration from the Australian Medical Association of WA over delays to the improvement of WA’s public mental health services.
The 10-bed subacute mental health facility was proposed to offer round-the-clock support for people with mental illness, either at risk of hospitalisation or to support their transition back into the community after acute care.
During a discussion over the Mental Health Bill 2013, Dr Talbot said it was not going to meet Bunbury’s expectations to see the facility built despite a $4.6 million promise prior to the 2013 state election.
“It is now 2014 and we do not have one and it is not in the budget,” Dr Talbot said.
“As I say, expectations are running very high, but what we need to see alongside this bill is a substantial reorientation of government funding into the provision of subacute care.
“I know that the minister has made a start in trying to rectify this, but I do seriously wonder when I look at the amount of money that is being spent on things such as sports stadiums and quayside developments in the centre of Perth whether a stronger voice around the cabinet table might have just got an extra few million dollars to put into these absolutely vital services.”
Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said he was frustrated the project had been pushed back.
“The step-up, step-down model is already having good results in Joondalup and I think regional people deserve the same access to services as city residents,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Our mental health staff in Bunbury and the South West do a fantastic job with the resources they have but I would like to see the sub-acute facility added to the services available.
“The government is facing tougher financial decisions but I will keep pushing to see this facility delivered as soon as possible for the local community.”
