Fed: Govt $1.8bn mental health package welcomed

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2006
Fed: Govt $1.8bn mental health package welcomed

Mental health groups have welcomed the federal government's 1.8 billion dollar package
to provide better care for Australia's mentally ill .. but Labor and doctors say more
money is needed.

Opposition health spokeswoman JULIA GILLARD says the level of funding's disappointing
and inadequate .. and there should be a complete overhaul of the system.

And AMA president Dr MUKESH HAIKERWAL says the money is still far below the level of
mental health spending they've called for.

Democrats leader LYN ALLISON .. who chaired a recent Senate committee inquiry into
mental health services .. says she's pleased with the funding .. but expects the states
to at least match it.

The five-year package announced by JOHN HOWARD in Canberra today includes new training
places .. and 650 new overnight and day respite places to ease the burden on carers.

AAP RTV jcol/so/wf/bart

KEYWORD: MENTAL REACTION (CANBERRA)

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