With the ongoing crises in Australia and globally, the mental health of Queenslanders is being challenged more than ever. Our crisis services and organisations are increasingly experiencing unprecedented demand. Lifeline Queensland provides an incredibly important 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention support line. This is vital to assisting Queenslanders with the stresses and trauma being encountered, providing what they call a “missing middle” mental health service for those who fall through the cracks. And yet as stated in a report by the McKell Institute, other than funding for Community Recovery services, the Queensland Government have not previously funded Lifeline in a direct or consistent way, unlike some of the other states and territories with $28,500,000 over 4 years being provided by the New South Wales Government, as Lifeline have reported in their 2022 Annual Report.
This has now changed. Following advocacy from our office and many others on the lead up to the 2023/24 Budget, it was fantastic to see the Queensland Government announce $3,000,000 extra per year funding, over the next four years for Lifeline to expand their capacity in Queensland to deliver much needed extra support for our communities.
Happily in addition, equal funds have been committed to Kids Helpline. This is very welcomed by all!
Further Information
Further direct advocacy regarding this or any other matters related to Health or Mental Health can be directed to the QLD Minster for Health via health@ministerial.qld.gov.au and please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.