Media Release
The Newman
Government’s decision to stop funding a successful and much-needed
adolescent counselling program in Rockhampton shows it is prepared to
risk young lives to save a few hundred thousand dollars, says
Member for Rockhampton, Bill Byrne.
“Like many in
Rockhampton I am appalled by the decision to withdraw State Government
funding for Carinity Communities Wahroonga’s mental health program in
the city."
“Over the past 11
years this service has helped more than 1,100 young people deal with
depression and mental health issues associated with bullying, abuse and
neglect. There is no doubt in my mind that it has
saved lives by counselling adolescents at risk of self-harm."
“The Newman Government
has stopped its funding, to save $360,000 a year, claiming that the
work Carinity Wahroonga was doing was being duplicated by another agency
which receives funding from the Federal Government’s
Medicare Local."
“But, after hearing
from students who have benefitted from the work of the Wahroonga
Adolescent Counselling Program I hold real fears that some young people
will now miss out on the help they need."
“I have been advised
that the program has been very successful in Rockhampton in breaking
down barriers and reaching out to teenagers in school. To benefit, young
people did not need a mental health plan from
a GP. Sessions with counsellors were unlimited."
“In stark contrast, I
am advised the other program is more limited and restrictive and it is
already being overwhelmed with referrals. Early interventions, so
important in dealing with young people at risk of
self-harm, could be compromised."
“It seems to me that the Newman Government is taking a massive gamble here with the lives of young people."
“Frankly, those vulnerable young people in Rockhampton, and their families, deserve much better than this."
“It is the act of a
mean-spirited government that is prepared to sacrifice the mental
well-being, and maybe even the lives of depressed, anxious and suicidal
teenagers while it continues to lavish taxpayers’
money on advertising for its unwanted asset privatisation program."
“If the Member for
Keppel wants to save money and benefit his community he should use his
influence to persuade Campbell Newman to stop wasting millions of
dollars on spin-doctors and advertising."
“Teenage suicide,
self-harm and mental breakdown in Rockhampton is far too serious an
issue to be treated in such a cavalier fashion by the government of the
day."
“The Newman Government should be doing more, not less, to provide for the needs of vulnerable young people.”
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