Victorians face crisis as mental health treatment waitlists soar

By Contributed

Oct 14, 2024

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised concerns over the increasing difficulty in accessing mental health treatment in Victoria. Photo by Megan Fisher

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised concerns that access to mental health treatment in Victoria is becoming increasingly difficult, with new reports indicating that waitlists for drug and alcohol treatment have almost doubled in recent years.

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A survey by the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association found the number of Victoria’s most vulnerable awaiting treatment had soared by 93 per cent since September 2020.

Alarmingly, more than 4600 people were waiting for treatment on any given day in Victoria in June and July this year, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to care.

Ms Cleeland said these figures undermined the credibility of the Victorian Government’s mental health tax, which was intended to alleviate the problem.

“The tax raises almost $1 billion a year but has had no impact on sky-rocketing waitlists,” she said.

“Where is this $1 billion a year being used?

“Vulnerable Victorians are being left behind, with potentially life-threatening consequences.

"Labor can’t manage the health system, and it’s Victorians who want to battle their addiction, but can’t access help, that are paying price.”

A government spokesperson told The Telegraph that it would not be taking any lectures from the Nationals.

“This is a party who opened just two rehab beds in four years when last in government, compared with our strong record that includes more than doubling the number of residential rehab beds across the state to more than 500,” the spokesperson said.

“Whether it is introducing pill testing this summer, opening new rehab facilities or expanding access to pharmacotherapy — we’re getting on with the job of addressing and reducing drug and alcohol harms in our community.

“People struggling with addiction deserve the best care wherever they are — it’s why we have doubled our annual investment to change and save Victorian lives through our drug and alcohol treatment and support services.”

Ms Cleeland has previously shared her frustration over the lack of investment in local treatment options following state government cuts, including the closure of counselling and mental health services at Nexus Primary Health.

“As things stand, the entire region has failed to have any mental health services funded by the state government despite a desperate need for them,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We are going to reach a crisis point, with local residents forced into travelling long distances to access such a crucial service, or risk missing out on treatment entirely.

“My heart aches for patients who had made progress in their mental health with the support of qualified specialists, only to have that access taken away as local services have shut down.

“The Allan Labor Government’s closure of counselling and mental health services in a low socio-economic community will deepen the cycles of disadvantage and strip away the lifeline to healing, stability and hope.”