Important Facts of the News
- $61.6 million allocated for mental health crisis response improvements.
- 40 new frontline clinical staff to strengthen crisis assessment teams.
- Two new 10-bed peer-led acute alternative services being launched.
- Three additional emergency departments to get peer support workers, increasing total to 11.
- Tow new Crisis Recovery Cafés to be opened, taking the count to eight nationwide.
- Budget 2025 includes $28 million for 10 mental health co-response teams for 111 mental distress calls.
- 60-minute handover time implemented between Police and emergency departments for people in distress.
Better Support for Mental Health Emergencies
The government has unveiled a major step towards strengthening its mental health crisis response by providing new funding to increase frontline support and community services. The initiative is geared toward ensuring quicker and more effective help for those dealing with acute mental health challenges.
Major Funding Push for Crisis Teams and Peer-Led Services
An investment of $61.6 million has been announced to improve crisis response services across the country. This funding will see an expansion of assessment teams with the addition of 40 qualified frontline clinical staff, helping to provide more timely support for individuals in urgent need.
Two new peer-led acute alternative facilities, each with a 10-bed capacity, will be established to offer people in crisis an option besides traditional hospital wards. These settings are designed to provide immediate support in a less clinical environment.
Peer Support Expanding Across Emergency Departments
Building on existing efforts, peer support workers will be deployed in three more hospital emergency departments. This move brings the total number of EDs offering peer-led support to 11, aiming to provide a more compassionate and relatable response for people seeking help in high-stress environments.
Crisis Recovery Cafés on the Rise
Two additional Crisis Recovery Cafés are also set to open, furthering the reach of these peer-led, community-based hubs that offer a safe space for those experiencing emotional distress. With these new additions, a total of eight such cafés will be available across the country.
Growing the Workforce, Strengthening the System
The new measures follow on from initiatives in Budget 2025, which allocated $28 million to set up 10 mental health co-response teams designed to address 111 emergency calls involving mental health issues. The system now also includes a 60-minute target for police to hand over distressed individuals to hospital staff, enabling quicker access to care.
The strengthened framework aims to support anyone who reaches out during a mental health crisis, assuring families and individuals that help will be available when needed most.