Teen parliament winner Chloe Wyatt-Jasper’s advocacy has led to a $5m investment in new mental health programs for young people

Premier Peter Malinauskas has met with the teen parliament winner to let her be the first to know of a $5m investment into mental health she helped advocate for.

Chloe Wyatt-Jasper with Premier Peter Malinauskas on the steps of parliament. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The advocacy of teen parliament winner Chloe Wyatt-Jasper has led to a $5m investment in a range of new mental health programs for young people – including the introduction of one of the first pediatric virtual mental health services in the nation.

The funding, to be included in Thursday’s state budget, will include $1.1m a year over four years to employ mental health nurses at the existing child and adolescent virtual care service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The free service digitally connects parents with a team of doctors and nurses who can provide medical advice for children over a video link.

Another $300,000 will be invested over the next two years to fund workshops for parents with children or teenagers experiencing mental illness.

And $150,000 per year will be provided in 2024-25 and 2025-26 to enable Eating Disorders families Australia to help support families and carers of those with eating disorders.

Premier Peter Malinauskas met with Chloe, now 15, and her mum Naomi Lee-Jasper at Parliament House on Wednesday to tell her of the funding commitment.

Chloe was just two weeks old when her father, who had schizophrenia and a drug addiction, killed her brother Jakob, stabbed her mother, severed Chloe’s ear – resulting in six operations – and took his own life in 2009.

She bravely shared her story during a speech at The Advertiser’s Teen parliament in March, when she pleaded for more mental health funding and support.

Chloe Wyatt-Jasper was all smiles after hearing the government is announcing a range of youth mental health supports in the state budget. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Malinauskas heard the speech and promised Chloe meetings with Health Minister Chris Picton and Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention Nadia Clancy.

Chloe, who also spoke about her own mental health struggles, said the programs would make a real difference.

“I know what it’s like to struggle with mental illness and what it’s like to lose somebody to it,” she said.

“I think this is an amazing first step to making the world a place I can survive in and a place my brother and father could have lived in.”

”I think this is an amazing first step.” Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Malinauskas said the government was making significant investments in mental health services. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Chloe said the funding would also help raise awareness of mental health issues among young people.

“Awareness is one of the most important things for mental health. When people don’t know about it, they’re not talking about it and then nobody’s actually getting the help that they need.

“Seeing that the Premier himself is taking it seriously might lead people to actually ask for help more too. Which is really important.”

Mr Malinauskas said the government was making significant investments in mental health services.

“And taking care of the mental health of our young people is most important,” he said.

“These investments will make lives easier for families and children and offer an important alternative pathway for young people to seek urgent help in a crisis.

“I am grateful for the advocacy of 15-year-old Chloe Wyatt-Jasper, who powerfully made the case for these additional supports.”