General News
16 January, 2023
Webster slams session cuts
Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Anne Webster says Labor’s heartless cuts to mental health support show no regard for Australians doing it tough. As part of their pandemic response the former Coalition Government doubled the number...
Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Anne Webster says Labor’s heartless cuts to mental health support show no regard for Australians doing it tough.
As part of their pandemic response the former Coalition Government doubled the number of
Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions available through the Better Access initiative from 10 to 20 sessions.
In a statement, Dr Webster said
Labor has cut those sessions back to 10 at a time when Australians are battling with the ongoing effects of the cost-of-living crisis as well as natural disasters such as the floods on top of the COVID-19 pandemic stress from the past two years.
“Serious mental health issues are often at their highest a few years after a crisis, pandemic or
natural disaster, which is why vulnerable Australians need to have continued access to the
psychology sessions they need,” Dr Webster said.
“This decision by the Government is thoughtless and shows a callous lack of regard for those
experiencing mental health issues.
“Instead of proactively working to continue to improve mental health supports particularly for
Australians facing complex circumstances, the Labor Government have cut support in half.”
Labor’s move comes despite an independent evaluation of the Better Access initiative that
recommended ‘the additional 10 sessions should continue to be made available and should betargeted towards those with complex mental health needs.’
A petition has been set up for the public to be able to register their support for the psychology
sessions to remain, which can be accessed at https://www.research.net/r/Q7PTMQQ
“I urge people to let the Government know you do not support the decision to abandon vital mental health services,” Dr Webster said.