ACT Independent Senator David Pocock is calling on the Albanese Government to rethink its cut to Medicare-funded psychology services, announced yesterday.
Senator Pocock said now is the time for more not less mental health support, especially for young people where data shows the rates of high or very high psychological distress have been increasing and compounded by COVID-19.
Halving the number of Medicare-funded psychology sessions from 20 down to 10 is inconsistent with the findings of the review into the Better Access program, which recommended retaining those sessions for people with complex mental health needs.
Following an outpouring of concern from key stakeholders and individuals across the community, Senator Pocock is asking the Minister to continue the 10 additional sessions for people with high needs and commit any savings from Better Access to other mental health support services.
“We are still in the midst of a mental health crisis, now is not the time to be removing funding without a solid plan to address the significant issues with our mental health system,” said Senator Pocock.
“Half of all Australians have had a mental health condition, and in the ACT, it is the leading cause of chronic disease.
“A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released today shows anxiety disorders are now in the top five diseases creating a burden on the health system.
“Gap fees are at an all time high, hospitals are stretched and our community mental health providers are not just oversubscribed, but are about to fall off a funding cliff.
“There is also a pressing need to better address the root causes of mental health issues.
“Where are people with complex mental health needs supposed to go, if they can’t access any of these systems?
“I acknowledge the research from the Government that shows the 20 sessions aren’t working to close the access gap, and may actually be preventing new patients from entering the system.
“However, that same evaluation also recommended that the funding for the 10 additional sessions continue to be made available for those with complex mental health needs.
“At the moment, the government has not made a firm commitment to either continue to make those sessions available or reinvest that funding into other modes of care for people with complex needs.”
Senator Pocock said community mental health providers in the ACT have been crying out since the election for federal support, amid rolling workforce shortages and unprecedented demand for their services.
“Community-based services providing psychosocial support are about to head over a funding cliff in June 2023 as the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program comes to an end,” said Senator Pocock.
“These are services that are helping those in our community with some of the most acute needs, helping them recover and regain their independence.
“There’s a wealth of evidence showing that these supports help reduce mental health hospitalisations by 39% and get people into a better head space.
“I am concerned that despite all of this evidence, and all of these recommendations, the Government is letting multiple mental health programs come to an end without a plan for what comes next.”
Should the government fail to reinstate the full complement of 20, better targeted sessions, Senator Pocock is calling on Minister Butler to commit to any savings from the Better Access program being reinvested back into the mental health system.
“I understand that the Budget is in bad shape, but healthcare is core business and these types of investments should be made,” he said.
“The bottom line is that people are currently struggling to find appointments and find services.
“Whether those services are provided through Better Access or not, the community needs to know there is a plan to make mental health more accessible and more affordable.”