Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I want to bring to your attention two important projects in my electorate that are improving the lives of constituents. I recently had the privilege of attending the official opening of the new headspace centre in Oran Park. Headspace, initiated under the Howard government, of course, is a health program for Australians aged between 12 and 25 that offers highly effective free or low-cost support for mental health. Figures from the ABS show almost two in five young Australians aged between 16 and 24 faced a mental health disorder in the past. It's an extraordinary number. Like many outer suburban areas in south-western Sydney, Oran Park has seen a rapid increase in our youth population and a real need for adequate mental health services.

Early intervention is critical in improving mental health outcomes; we've known that for a long time. It's particularly true for young people.

They are the future, and it's vitally important to have a safe and welcoming place where they can talk to someone and just be themselves. The teenage years can often be the most difficult in anyone's life; young people are navigating who they are and what they want to do with their lives, and finding their place in the world. There are also challenges from peer pressure, and the more recent challenge that we have seen from smart phones and social media in particular, which wasn't around when so many of us in this place were growing up.

Unfortunately, lots of young people fall through the cracks. That's why it's so important they have someone to talk to who can point them in the right direction. I'm pleased to report the staff at headspace in Oran Park are beginning to fill that gap; young people can call directly or ask a teacher, a parent or another family to contact headspace for them, and from there they can be referred to any number of specialists, including psychologists, doctors, social workers, and alcohol and drug workers. An outreach service is available at Narellan as well to complement the Oran Park headspace. I really congratulate that South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Grand Pacific Health for making the project a reality in my electorate. I know staff have worked tirelessly for a long time to make it happen.

It was an absolute privilege to attend the official opening of the Camden Men's Shed in my electorate a few weeks back. The project has been five years in the making. A lot of wonderful people have donated time and money to get a facility up and running. I know men's sheds play an important role in the community by providing an environment where men can develop new friendships and learn skills. There are more than 80 fully paid members at the Camden Men's Shed, and that figure is only growing. They meet three times a week instead of one, and take part in several activities—woodwork, metal work, welding and so on. They're also building wheelchair ramps at the homes of seniors who have accessibility issues. This is an absolutely fantastic initiative. Well done, Camden Men's Shed.

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