Mental health minister Andrea Mitchell and the state’s Mental Health Commission have once again refused to fund a suicide prevention program as youth self-harm in the region continues unabated.
It is understood four teenagers have died from suicide in the last two months, although the causes of these deaths cannot be confirmed until coronial investigations are concluded.
GP Down South, the non-profit organisation that manages the 3-Tier Youth Mental Health Program, was told last week it wouldn’t receive funding for the program, which is spearheaded by former Fremantle Docker Heath Black.
Funding for the program was initially rejected in 2014, but the government agreed to review the decision after a spate of youth suicides earlier in 2016.
In parliament on Thursday, Ms Mitchell said she is often approached by people wanting financial support for their programs.
“I get it constantly and I do not have any buckets of money,” she said.
In a statement Ms Mitchell said the government had committed to funding “appropriate and evidence-based” services and the 3-Tier program could be “provided by a number of number of other service providers”.
“The Liberal National Government does not commit to fund private commercial organisations offering duplicate services already funded by the Mental Health Commission,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said she was disappointed with the proposal from GP Down South and that the Mental Health Commission considered evidence supporting the program “limited, conflicting and confusing”.
Mandurah MP David Templeman and Dawesville MP Kim Hames were both disappointed by the decision.
“If your claim is that we’re being services by other agencies, then you need to prove it because I don’t believe you, it's as simple as that,” Mr Templeman said.
“The evidence is unequivocal that it is delivering.
“How much more does the minister need in terms of proof, given the population, given demographics and given the tragic numbers of suicides?
“I'm bitterly disappointed, I am disappointed in the minister, I am very disappointed in the Mental Health Commission, I think they're out of touch, I think they don't understand our region at all.”
He said he would make funding the program an election commitment.
Dr Hames, a former health minister, said he was extremely disappointed.
“I don’t think it is the same service, the type of service they provide is an excellent model and a great example,” he said.
“I’m extremely unhappy with the response from the mental health commission and the minister.”
“If Labor make a commitment, Zak Kirkup and I will work hard to lobby for a matching commitment from the Coalition.”
GP Down South’s Eleanor Britton said they group was disappointed, but thanked the community for its support and fundraising efforts.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate the amazing and unwavering support we have received for our youth mental health program from David Templeman and Kim Hames,” she said.
“We still firmly believe that there is an unmet need in Mandurah and Peel for our program and we will continue to seek alternate funding sources to support this unique and innovative program.
“The 3-Tier Youth Mental Health Program will continue in 2017 with tier 1 and tier 2 dates confirmed for March 2017.”
The Mental Health Commission has been contacted for comment.
Support is available by calling Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 131 114, or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
