“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year, and as we battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health,” Health Minister Greg Hunt and Youth Minister Richard Colbeck said in a joint statement.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on young Australians.”
The funding will be delivered as grants of up to $2 million to individual headspace locations, which provide primary mental health services to people aged 12 to 25.
The grants are designed to improve facilities, reduce wait times and fast-track access to services for those seeking appointments with the organisation.
The ministers said headspace’s services were experiencing high demand prior to the pandemic.
Funding will go to Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and headspace National.
“Our Government’s investment will ensure young Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it,” the statement read.
“Through record investments in mental health services and support, the Morrison Government will invest an estimated $5.2 billion this year alone.”
The government had earlier announced a $48 million package for mental health, with almost $30 million to be spent on programs to reach vulnerable Australians, including the elderly ($19 million), culturally and linguistically diverse individuals ($3.5 million), Indigenous Australians ($3.5 million) and carers for people with mental illness ($3.5 million).
