The Victorian government will spend $ 200 million to expand mental health services to 1,800 low-cost government and non-government elementary schools across the state as part of a push to address mental illness among young students.
Funding will be used to expand a pilot program to 100 Victorian schools under a partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, and to employ a mental health and wellness leader for each school by 2026.
Education Minister James Merlino Credit: Chris Hopkins
Education Minister James Merlino said the Royal Victoria Health System Commission established in 2019 had highlighted the role schools play in identifying children with mental health and well-being issues and -those for treatment.
According to data provided by the state government, about half of all cases of anxiety, mood swings, impulse control, and substance use disorders occur at age 14. Students struggling with their mental health are also lagging behind with their peers throughout their schooling.
The funding announcement comes as the state government prepares to introduce a new Mental Health and Wellness Act in Parliament today.
The new legislation will be used to create regional mental health and wellness boards in the state and establish a new mental health and wellness commission with the power to investigate complaints and hold the government accountable.
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He will also create Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria, a new youth advisory body with the power to commission specialized mental health services.
Merlin said the legislation was “another key point” in the government’s reform of the mental health system, which was being rebuilt “from scratch.”
“I can tell you today that we have funded an additional 2,500 mental health workers, we are advancing 90% of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and today we are presenting a new mental health and wellness bill,” he said.