Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

My understanding is that that is correct. But can I point out for the chamber that this is a significant change to how mental health has previously been done in this nation. It is changing the way we are approaching mental health, by moving from what is currently a very siloed program system, delivered out of Canberra, to something that is going to become locally delivered and patient centred. I think that everybody in this chamber would agree that that is a beneficial change—that that is something that is good for these people that are now going to have a comprehensive set of packages around them that is going to deal with their individual needs.

We of course have a very significant focus on the issue of suicide prevention, and that will be very much a part of what we are putting forward with this reform. Can I say: I think it is not only the coalition government that recognises the need to do this. And can I say: it took a coalition government to make these changes to ensure that we have got a better system in place.

It has been very well received by those right across the sector. Mental Health Australia said, 'Reform starts today,' when they made their comments when this was announced by the government, and also said:

The Government has provided us with a workable framework for systemic change …

There is a very strong recognition that this is a positive move, including from the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, beyondblue and the Consumer Health Forum—all have been very supportive of this change. And I very much respect that their view is very important when we are measuring whether or not this has been a positive step. (Time expired)