The Government will fund more frontline workers and establish new services for people in need of a better mental health crisis response, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced.
“When someone takes the brave step to reach out, whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member we’re committed to ensuring the right support is always there to answer that call,” Doocey said.
“This package goes a long way in making sure that’s possible.”
The $61.6 million funding boost over four years would deliver 40 additional frontline clinical staff for crisis assessment and treatment teams, two new 10-bed peer-led acute alternative services, peer support workers in three more emergency departments, and two new crisis recovery cafes.
Doocey said the initiatives were designed to ensure faster access to care and more options for people in distress.
“We don’t want people waiting long periods for crisis assessments or inpatient beds. These peer-led services provide more choice and quicker support.
“We’re already hearing great feedback about peer support workers in EDs. Rolling out peer support workers in more EDs will result in a better crisis response and more people being better supported.”
The announcement built on Budget 2025 commitments, which include $28 million for 10 mental health co-response teams to attend 111 calls involving mental distress, and increased capacity for crisis helplines.
The Government had also implemented a 60-minute handover policy for police bringing individuals in distress to emergency departments.
