Five years of struggle: Liberal backbencher warns national mental health will take time – The Sydney Morning Herald

Mental health should be given the same standing as physical health if the government wants to improve the mental health of the nation, which Liberal MP and psychologist Fiona Martin says will be damaged for another five years or more.

She wants the school chaplaincy program reviewed and the number of masters programs increased to expand the psychological workforce.

Dr Martin says massive change is needed in the mental health sector.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Dr Martin, chair of the select committee on mental health and suicide prevention, said shes willing to fight for recommendations in the committees final report, which she tabled in parliament on Wednesday.

We are very vulnerable. Weve gone through a lot with all the natural disasters and the pandemic, and people are really struggling and they will continue to struggle, I think, for a good five years after this, she said.

The reports 44 recommendations include reviewing mental health training for GPs, creating a standing committee for mental health and expanding the number of masters programs for psychologists to increase the mental health workforce.

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The report also wants counsellors to become registered practitioners with set requirements for training, and calls for an independent review of existing school wellbeing programs, including the school chaplaincy program.

This is about making sure that were armed and ready, and were protecting the mental health of Australians, she said.

The report also recommends changes in parliament, including introducing a new permanent committee for mental health and including the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health in all crisis meetings.

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Five years of struggle: Liberal backbencher warns national mental health will take time - The Sydney Morning Herald