A WA Liberal Government will invest $40 million in mental health prevention strategies and $40 million in suicide prevention programs, Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader told a Public Health Association of Australia, WA Branch forum this morning.
Well targeted prevention, promotion and protection programs increase health and wellbeing for patients and for every dollar invested in preventive health, there is an estimated return of $14.30 in savings on healthcare and related costs.
“The earlier we identify mental health issues, and seek to address those issues, the better the long-term outcome for both the patient and the health system,” said Ms Mettam.
“WA’s suicide rate is higher than the national average, and the Kimberley accounts for one of the highest rates in the country – the current approach is clearly not working.
“WA Labor’s own reports highlight the need to shift away from a hospital-based system towards one which is focused on public health and prevention.
“Despite this, funding is going the wrong way under Labor – the WA Liberals will reverse it.”
The 2017 Sustainable Health Review recommended at least five per cent of mental health expenditure be on prevention. Current investment is just 2.43 per cent, falling to 1.66 per cent in 2027-28.
“A WA Liberal Government will reverse the decline and commit to spending five per cent of the mental health budget on prevention,” said Ms Mettam.
“Actually addressing the recommendations of the Sustainable Health Review and investing in targeted, culturally appropriate early interventions is essential to addressing this endemic.
“Healthway will be able to expand its work promoting mental health and well-being across WA, focused on initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, build resilience, and reduce risk factors.”
Ms Mettam said the alarming statistic about suicide rates across WA, but especially in the Kimberley further heightened the need for a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
“Our $40m commitment will enhance WA’s suicide prevention strategy, youth suicide prevention strategy, and regional Aboriginal suicide prevention plans.
“This will include targeted campaigns to address stigma, improve mental health literacy, and promote early help-seeking behaviours – including community-based programs.
“And we will invest in culturally sensitive prevention and early intervention programs to cater to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as well as those facing the unique challenges that come with living in regional and remote WA.
“Shifting the focus of how we identify and treat mental health conditions will require a whole-of-community response and only the WA Liberals are committed to driving this change for future generations.”