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Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, delivered a heartfelt speech in the Federal Parliament about the inequality in the mental health system. Please see above video for full speech.

“I recently met with Elizabeth and Peter Young, mother and brother of Jade Young, who tragically lost her life in the horrific incident at Bondi Junction in April,” Mr Wilkie said. “While I was heartened to learn that the victim’s family living in New South Wales were supported by mental health crisis services, I was shocked to hear that Peter who lives in Tasmania with his young family, was not. Instead he was left to navigate a multitude of system challenges to receive the support he needed. Peter’s experience highlights that while the mental health challenges are not dissimilar between jurisdictions, the gap between the funding and services available between states reflects the inequity and inefficacy of Australia’s mental health system.

“With 42.9 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 85 having experienced a mental health issue at some point in their lives, it’s no surprise that the mental health system is thinly stretched. Our hospital system is simply not resourced to address demand, and there is a lack of accessible community-based services. Further, as Peter’s experience highlights, there’s a lack of service coordination between jurisdictions. Obviously, this is an ongoing recipe for disaster if left unaddressed.

“We need more than vague commitments. We must push for change to reform the mental health system to ensure equity and accessibility. But this must be a collective effort, and I implore the Federal Government to work with states and territories to support those affected, and design and deliver a coordinated mental health system this country needs, this country can afford, and this country has the wherewithal to deliver.”