Mr MICHAEL REGAN (Wakehurst) (11:29): My question is directed to the Minister for Health, representing the Minister for Mental Health. How is the New South Wales Government helping young people on the northern beaches who experience mental ill health? Given it has been over two years since additional investment for youth mental health services on the northern beaches was announced, when will the remaining $4½ million be delivered and start benefitting our community?
Mr RYAN PARK (Keira—Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast) (11:29): I thank the member for his question. On behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, whom I represent in this place, I acknowledge that he has been a tireless advocate for his community. I assume all members are tireless advocates for better mental health services for young people. He is right that the previous Government made a commitment of around $4½ million that was meant to be for a dedicated four‑bed mental health unit in that area. Unfortunately and surprisingly to me—and probably more so to the Minister for Mental Health—there was no needs analysis done; nor was there any assessment of whether that commitment could be met within the $4½ million. That is a minor issue, I suppose, but it is a significant problem when that commitment towards mental health has been made to the community.
When I heard about that commitment as the shadow Minister, I must admit I thought it was a little bit light on. But given that those opposite were in Government, I thought they had probably done the assessment. Unfortunately, that was not the case. We have established a liaison, engagement and consultation service that allows young people and their families to navigate mental health supports. Some members may be aware of the Police, Ambulance and Clinical Early Response [PACER] model. We are increasing PACER in various communities, working in partnership with the police. I hope all members understand that. The police Minister has been a tireless advocate for that model, alongside the Minister for Mental Health. That program works—it makes sure that the right supports are put around people experiencing mental distress and that mental health professionals work closely with police officers. It is about making sure that we get the right care in the right place at the right time. We have also expanded Safe Haven at Brookvale. All members would acknowledge that those programs are important, and they have traversed various governments of different political persuasions.
The Minister has commenced engagement with the member and his community on how the remaining part of the $4½ million needs to be spent. That engagement has meant looking at the needs analysis and the service gaps et cetera that exist. The member would be aware that some of the feedback from that consultation is about access to services and navigation of services. Unfortunately, in a complex health system like ours, navigation is a real issue. [Extension of time]
I have had a number of discussions about that with the Minister for Mental Health. She assures me—and I am sure that the member for Wakehurst would agree—that she is working closely with him, with representatives from health professionals organisations such as the Nurses and Midwives' Association, and also with the community to identify any gaps and determine how the remainder of the $4.5 million can be spent. It may be, but not necessarily will be, that we look towards a more integrated one-stop shop for mental health services to address some of the navigation issues. For people presenting for mental health services, navigation is often a problem. To be honest, it is sometimes a problem not just for them but also for their family, their carer or the loved ones providing them with support. We understand that. I understand that.
Sometimes the health system in New South Wales is complex for me, and I am the health Minister. That is why people sometimes present to emergency departments when they do not need to—because they think it is the only way to get care. That is why I am working to move Healthdirect from 1800 022 222 to a simple 222 number or one similar to that. We have to make the complex health system in New South Wales more user‑friendly and easy to understand, especially for people experiencing mental distress. The member has raised that issue a number of times and, on behalf of the House, I sincerely acknowledge his advocacy for mental health services for his people, particularly the young people in his community. I give him this commitment, as will the Minister for Mental Health: We will continue to work with him and his community to boost services in that area.
24 October 2024.