Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Mental Health and Drug Treatment Division

Senator WRIGHT: I will turn now to the mental health nurse incentive program, or MHNIP. In May the government announced changes to this program, which essentially resulted in a pause in funding to the program. As a result, organisations employing mental health nurses were directed to maintain existing service levels based on 2011-12 services for the new financial year.

Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Health Workforce Division

On World Mental Health Day, Australian Greens spokesperson for Mental Health, Senator Penny Wright, has called on the Government to ensure that funding of mental health services matches the total health burden of mental ill-health in Australia.

“One in five Australians will experience a mental health condition this year alone – that means we are all touched by it in some way, whether it is ourselves, a partner, a friend, a neighbour or a colleague,” Senator Wright said.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Mental Health, Senator Penny Wright, will visit Tasmania as part of her Australia-wide regional, rural and remote mental health services consultation this week.

 "I really want to get a comprehensive picture of the unique challenges faced by people living in regional, rural and remote areas when it comes to accessing mental health services," Senator Wright said.

Senator WRIGHT (South Australia) (21:39):

Australian Greens spokesperson for Mental Health, Senator Penny Wright, has encouraged all Australians to reach out to others today and ask a friend, colleague or family member if they are okay.

Today is R U OK? Day, a national day of action aimed at reducing suicide by raising awareness of the issues and empowering Australians to connect with friends and loved ones.

Senators Fierravanti-Wells and Wright move:

That the Senate-
(a) notes that Thursday, 13 September 2012 is R U OK? Day;