Frydenberg commits $5.7 billion of Federal Budget to mental health initiatives

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has announced a $5.7 billion commitment to mental health initiatives in this year’s Federal Budget, labeling mental health and suicide prevention as a “national priority”.

“In this budget there is record funding for hospitals, record funding for schools, recording funding for aged care, record funding for childcare and record funding for disability services,” Mr Frydenberg said.

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“Mental health and suicide prevention is a national priority … my message tonight is that this house stands with you, you are not alone.

“Tonight we are doubling the number of Medicare funded psychological services through the Better Access Initiative from ten to twenty.

“We’re providing more funding for Lifeline, Headspace, Beyond Blue and for Kids Helpline.

Mr Frydenberg also said these initiatives would bring the commitment to mental health to $5.7 billion.

“This is what it means to have a strong economy, this is what it means to look after one’s fellow Australian,” he said.

Anyone who may be feeling distressed can contact the following organisations for support.

SANE Helpline 1800 18 72 63

Lifeline 131 114

Beyond blue 1300 22 4636