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.
A survey by the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association found the number of Victoria’s most vulnerable awaiting treatment has 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.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the numbers made a mockery of the government’s mental health tax, which was designed to help ease the problem.
“The tax raises almost $1 billion a year but has had no impact on sky-rocketing waitlists,” Ms Cleeland 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.”
Ms Cleeland has previously shared her frustration over the lack of investment into local treatment options following devastating 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 socioeconomic community will deepen the cycles of disadvantage and strip away the lifeline to healing, stability, and hope.”