• The WA Liberals will provide a comprehensive $33.5 million program to improve outcomes for eating disorder patients.

• Build a new eating disorder residential facility where it is most needed and create a dedicated team at a Fiona Stanley Hospital hub to deliver continuity of care across the health system.

• Expand outreach support through telehealth services, providing more regional care, awareness, and early intervention strategies.

• Ensure all individuals affected by eating disorders receive the care and support they need to maintain their health and well-being.

A Mettam Liberal Government will create a new central eating disorders hub at Fiona Stanley Hospital, it was announced today. Funding will also be provided for a new $13.5 million 12-bed eating disorder residential facility and for running costs of $5 million per annum.  This will allow more West Australians to receive care through a coordinated approach to eating disorders and mental health support.

This new facility, located in a high-need community location, will work alongside the dedicated FSH hub – established to coordinate existing infrastructure and services – to support West Australians with eating disorders. The enhanced model will give individual eating disorder clinics and organisations access to a connected and comprehensive set of resources, including psychological, medical, and nutritional support, whether through consultation with the hub, telehealth, educational outreach, or referrals to the residential facility.  

“After years of WA Labor ignoring eating disorder support, including initiatives handed to them by the Federal Government, we are committed to addressing the gaps between inpatient and outpatient care,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader.

“We know the number of West Australians with an eating disorder has jumped to over 100,000, with an 85 per cent increase in hospitalisations, and there is no expectation those numbers will go down without major intervention.

"This concerns the long-term mental health of so many West Australians, particularly our next generation, who face increasing online and societal pressures.  

“This policy is specifically designed to address the revolving door issue where individuals with eating disorders repeatedly cycle in and out of facilities without long-term recovery.”

“Unlike short-term hospital admissions, this facility will provide longer-term, structured care in a home-like environment, promoting stability and sustained recovery for those who need it.”

In 2019, the former Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced $63 million to fund six residential eating disorder facilities across Australia, with funds put aside for WA’s facility. Since this announcement, WA Labor has chosen to adopt a broad and ineffective Eating Disorders Framework, rather than committing to the long-promised facility.  

“Despite a funding commitment from the former Federal Liberal Government for a residential treatment centre, and recent requests from Minister Butler for an update on its progress, WA Labor refused to build it,” Ms Mettam said.

“WA Labor’s inaction is nothing but contempt for the health of West Australians and impacts on the broader community dealing with life-altering eating disorders.

“WA Labor have now cancelled the project, leaving WA as the only state without a dedicated residential eating disorder centre.

“While WA Labor is busy releasing an ‘Eating Disorders Framework’ heavy on words, we are taking long-sought-after action that guarantees care for more Western Australians.  

"This is about addressing the harms of eating disorders before they occur, as they develop, and after they have taken hold."

WA Liberal Candidate for Bibra Lake, Atul Garg, welcomed the announcement, noting that a statewide coordinated network of clinics and facilities would ensure more West Australians could get care and diminish the likelihood of relapse.  

“While out talking to constituents, there are many who are very open about daily struggles, especially around their mental health and concerns for their children – this funding is about protecting young people and others facing personal struggles,” Mr Garg said.

“This comprehensive program is about saving more lives across our state, through central access to treatment, support, and information, no matter where you live.”  

Nicole Robins, WA Liberal Candidate for Jandakot, said the new hub and dedicated facility would go a long way to creating a holistic support system for those battling these disorders.

“Creating a supportive, home-like environment in a residential centre allows for individualised, gold standard treatment, tailored to both the physical and mental health toll associated with eating disorders,” Ms Robins said.

“This is as much about helping these individuals as it is about our wider community – we need to make sure those suffering feel they can reach out for help and concurrently protect others from falling into the grips of these disorders.”  

Tait Marston, WA Liberal Candidate for Oakford, said the central hub at Fiona Stanley would allow for a comprehensive working relationship with clinics and services across the state.

“Eating disorder services across our state cannot keep up with demand, especially south of the river,” Mr Marston said.

“This funding will help more Western Australians get mental health assistance, and tailored treatment to their unique needs, aiming to end short-cycle admissions and relapses.  

“Our Building a Better Future blueprint outlines our priority for Fixing Our Health System, and that means delivering vital mental health support to all West Australians who need it, including for eating disorders.”