GPs, more psychologists moved in to Qld’s struggling schools

GPs will provide free healthcare to students in some of the state’s most in-need schools, as part of a new plan which will also see more mental health professionals in schools.

Queensland state schools buckling under pressure to support students with only one guidance officer available for every 1000 in need will have their ­resources doubled.

While the Palaszczuk government election commitment will see one health professional to every 500 students, it is unclear if enough psychologists will be employed to meet the national standard, despite being spruiked by the Education Minister.

It comes as new data from Kids Helpline reveals they responded to 26,732 Queensland youth aged 5 to 25 between January 1 and November 30, an increase of 7 per cent on the same period in 2019.

During the election, the Palaszczuk government announced a $100m student wellbeing package to ensure every student in primary and secondary schools would have access to a health professional to support their mental health. The initiative would support 464 new frontline positions in Queensland state schools over the next four years.

As part of this $100m package, GPs will be placed in 20 secondary schools of greatest need, providing access to medical care and advice free of charge in a familiar environment.

During Estimates last week, Education Minister Grace Grace said that the package meant for the first time health and wellbeing professionals, including psychologists, youth workers, guidance officers, behavioural specialists and ­allied health professionals, would be employed in a co-ordinated way across the state.

“This major funding commitment – and this is the great part – will move us towards a ratio of one health professional for every 500 students in line with the standard recommended by the Australian Psychological Society,” Ms Grace said.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a ratio of one psychologist to 500 students.

Asked about the disparity, Ms Grace clarified that under the $100m package “the ratio will be one psychologist/health professional per 500 students”.

APS chief executive Dr Zena Burgess said that the point of difference psychologists provide was around ­assessment and intervention.