$48.5 million to expand mental health services under WA Labor

• Cook Labor Government to deliver $48.5 million in additional mental health funding
• Funding to support struggling new parents, workers, and those impacted by eating disorders
• Builds on the Cook Labor Government’s record investment in health and mental health

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will commit to a new residential eating disorder recovery centre, expand care for struggling new parents and strengthen mental health support in the workplace.

Announced today, the $48.5 million package will address gaps in the current system, ensuring more Western Australians can access the care they need.

WA Labor will invest $5 million in planning and developing partnerships for the residential recovery centre, which will provide specialist and recovery-focused treatment for adults living with an eating disorder.

Under a residential eating disorder recovery centre model, patients receive 24/7 care in a purpose built therapeutic environment before a transition hub supports them to leave the service.

WA Labor will also invest $39.5 million in funding free public treatment at Ngala’s residential parenting service, allowing more parents to access early intervention mental health support and preventative services.

Currently, the service is only available to those who have been referred by the Department of Communities, patients who are covered by private health insurance or are self-funded.

The commitment will mean more people can receive Ngala’s invaluable parenting support from child health nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, mothercraft nurses, social workers and psychologists.

An additional $4 million over four years will support industry bodies to develop, implement and run mental health and suicide prevention programs at work, recognising the important role workplaces play in the mental welfare of their workforce.

Today’s announcement builds on WA Labor’s record investment in health and mental health services, with an unprecedented $14.3 billion in additional funding since 2021.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Specialist mental health services do an incredible job supporting Western Australians to overcome mental illness and get their lives back on track."

“Today’s announcement of almost $50 million in additional funding will directly benefit those battling eating disorders and new parents who are struggling, while helping workplaces to support their staff."

“Only a WA Labor Government will invest in vital mental health services to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians.”