The NSW Government will deliver a record $2.9 billion investment into mental health services and support for people across the State as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said a significant amount of the funding would be spent on mental health initiatives to support the social and emotional wellbeing of New South Wales residents.
“No matter what challenges we face as a State, we will continue to support the mental health needs of the people of New South Wales now and well into the future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This Budget will see us deliver universal aftercare for anyone in this State who attempts suicide, while investing for the first time in expanding the Headspace network across New South Wales.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding would improve vital services and ensure mental health support was more readily available for those who needed it.
“Mental health issues often appear after a crisis, and given what we have gone through as a community over the past couple of years, this support is more important than ever,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We are committed to investing in services across the spectrum of mental health, from acute services to wellbeing supports, to ensure the right service is available at the right time for individuals, families and communities across the State.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the $2.9 billion announced today included the $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package announced in October 2021 and the $25 million flood recovery package, announced this year.
“We know that COVID-19 and some of the worst natural disasters we’ve ever seen have taken an enormous toll over the past few years, and we’re committed to providing all the support we can to those who need it,” Mr Kean said.
Key highlights of the 2022-23 Mental Health Budget include:
- $143.4 million across four years for Towards Zero Suicides, to fund suicide prevention initiatives. This continues the $87 million investment in 2019-20 to 2021-22
- $60.7 million over four years for Aftercare to support people who have attempted suicide or experienced suicidal crisis. This is on top of $9 million previously invested in a trial of Aftercare from 2019-20 to 2021-22
- $46.5 million over four years to substantially expand and enhance Headspace services, ensuring it can reach more young people across the State. This is on top of the $27.0 million previously invested in the service since July 2021
- $26.4 million over four years to establish Head to Health hubs that will see multidisciplinary teams operating a no-wrong-door approach to support for adults experiencing mental health challenges
- $17.9 million over four years for new child health and wellbeing community-based hubs for children to strengthen support for parents, improve intervention early in life and increase access to multidisciplinary care and Statewide Community Court Liaison Service for children aged up to 12 and their families
- $5.2 million over four years for non-government organisations to help new and expecting parents access mental health support and counselling
- $28.5 million over four years for Lifeline to boost crisis counselling services. This funding builds on $25.5 million already invested in supporting the vital service since 2018-19
The NSW Government’s investment in Aftercare, Headspace, Head to Health and the child and adolescent hubs will be jointly funded with the Commonwealth Government, bringing the total investment to $383 million.