Josh Burns (Macnamara, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on behalf of Edgar Stirling, aged 14, who wrote this speech. Edgar is not a seasoned politician but a student, and he wrote this important speech with regard to mental illness because he knows that, as it is part of his own family and part of his schoolmate's, it is a battle that many people face. He says:

Our mental health system needs urgent attention. In Australia, adults access care easier than teenagers, despite 1 in 7 adolescents facing mental illness. The youth are resolute in demanding reform. We must allocate resources, enact meaningful policies, and bring about tangible change in our system.

So, what steps are vital to fix these issues across states and territories?

Firstly, we must support gradually deteriorating patients who aren't in a critical state. Funds for respite recovery programs will offer them much needed care. Proactive interventions before disaster can prevent future crises.

Improving mental health clinics is also vital. Funding for infrastructure will reduce the wait time for clinic beds, which can currently be days.

Our schools deserve attention as well. Mental health resources and counsellors should be available in government schools, to provide students with strategies to deal with problems.

Within our mental health system, inaction is not an option. Let's act now, for the sake of future generations who deserve a safer childhood.

Edgar, I say to you: thank you for your advocacy and thank you for your words. We must continue to improve the mental health of all Australians, especially our young people.