Support for mental health will be one of the main plans of the federal budget in just over a week, said Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Mental health is one of the four pillars of Australia’s long-term national health program, Hunt said.
Other areas are access to new drugs and better treatments to assist physicians, support for hospital and private health insurance, and primary care with a focus on medical research.
He said the focus would be on youth suicide.
“Despite all expectations, suicide in Australia has decreased by 5% in 2020, thanks to what we can do with coordinated support for mental health. We are still in the final 2021. I’m waiting for the numbers, “Hunt told Sky News. Sunday’s agenda program.
“We want to see it go down. We want to see it go towards zero.”
Details of mental health support will be announced on March 29th with a budget.
However, the Morrison government will spend more than $ 315 million over four years to expand the country’s ice action strategy in an ongoing battle to reduce the effects of ice, other drugs and alcohol.
This investment comes along with an additional $ 27.9 million committed to support other important drug and alcohol treatment projects in areas of identified needs.
“For too many Australians, illegal drugs are still a gloomy tragedy for our community, robbing their loved ones’ families,” Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is committed to building a safe and healthy community to reduce the impact and harm of drug and alcohol use on individuals, their families, and their communities.”
National wastewater drug monitoring shows that methamphetamine use has declined for the second consecutive year.
Still, this was a good sign, but Hunt said there was still work to be done.
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Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.