Legislative Assembly must call out Labor’s cuts to mental health

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Ed Cocks will today call on all the leaders of parties represented in the ACT Legislative Assembly to write to the Prime Minister and ask for the reversal of cuts to mental health funded by Medicare.

From January 1 this year, the Albanese government cut funding for mental health care by halving the number of psychological services available to those who need them from 20 to 10.

Mr Cocks said the need for mental health services and supports remains high following the COVID-19 pandemic and many Canberrans facing deteriorating economic conditions, rising inflation, and associated cost of living pressures.

“Cuts to MBS services are likely to increase pressure on state and territory health systems,” Mr Cocks said.

“The ACT mental health system was under pressure even before the Albanese government announcement and there is no excess capacity to absorb federal cuts to mental health services.

“Independent evaluations have stated that 20 sessions a year should continue to be made available and targeted towards those with more complex mental health needs.”

Mr Cocks said no clinical rationale has been presented to justify the cuts to MBS services and the independent evaluation did not recommend cutting access to services.

“All members of the Legislative Assembly should be very concerned about these cuts and in the best interests of Canberrans it is incumbent on all parties to write to the Prime Minister and Federal Health Minister and ask for a reversal of these cuts.

“I really hope the Greens will put the needs of Canberrans ahead of their political deal with Labor,” Mr Cocks concluded.