Media Statement - 16th November 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will fund an important mental health counselling service provided to the North-West region by the Sisters of Charity.
Federal Labor will provide $1.25 million over four years for this service.
“I visited the Sisters of Charity Outreach service on one of my first visits to this area as Shadow Health Minister and I’m delighted to be able to announce Federal Labor’s support for the Sisters’ ongoing work,” Nicola Roxon said.
“The Sisters of Charity Outreach specialised grief and trauma counselling services have made an important contribution to the mental health of the North-West for around seven years and I am very pleased to announce that Federal Labor will support the continuation of this vital work,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“From its small cottage in Devonport, Outreach is known throughout North-West Tasmania for its high standard of professional service and its warm, personal and caring approach.”
The funding will allow Sisters of Charity Outreach to provide around 1500 counselling sessions for some 400 people every year.
This announcement adds to Federal Labor’s other commitments in mental health including:
- our $85 million National Postnatal Depression Plan to improve prevention and early detection of antenatal and postnatal depression;
- support for the establishment of an Australian National Council on Mental Health; and
- investing in programs that can ensure resources are used to fill the gaps in existing service delivery, particularly in rural and regional Australia where need is high.