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Liberals support for eight perinatal mental health clinicians for Tasmania

As election day approaches, the Liberal Party has announced a major commitment to Tassie families, promising a significant boost aimed at supporting mums and bubs across the state.

Women's health – Lizzie Johnson, Premier Jeremy Rockliff holding 9-month-old Georgia, Ella DeBrayn and Gidget Foundations' Eliza Pike. Picture: Alison Foletta
Women's health – Lizzie Johnson, Premier Jeremy Rockliff holding 9-month-old Georgia, Ella DeBrayn and Gidget Foundations' Eliza Pike. Picture: Alison Foletta

The Liberal Party have made another health announcement only a week before election day – to expand perinatal mental health services across the state.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a re-elected Liberal government would deliver a four-year program for graduate positions in perinatal mental health at Gidget Foundation services in Tasmania.

“We want to support Gidget House and Foundation even further by supporting free telehealth available right across Tasmania, “ Mr Rockliff said.

“Also allowing Gidget Foundation to expand their valuable services when it comes to supporting Tasmanian women, mums and bubs and supporting them with right graduate positions across four years.”

Gidget House, Peacock Centre Hobart. Picture: supplied
Gidget House, Peacock Centre Hobart. Picture: supplied

Gidget Foundation workforce strategy director Eliza Pike said the houses often struggle to keep up with demand.

“We need more mental health professionals that are trained,” she said.

“What this equates to us providing 30,000 appointments over a four-year period to the Tasmanian community.”

Gidget Foundation is a national service but has clinicians in Hobart at Peacock House and plans to expand to Launceston in 12 months with Tressilian.

The program is as 12-month program with weekly supervision, and professional development.

“We were able to accredit it as a graduate diploma in perinatal health in partnership with Federation University,” Ms Pike said.

Gidget Foundation houses offers free support with a mental health care plan.

The cost of the proposal will be $40,000 over four years, totalling $160,000 for eight graduates. The remainder of the graduates salaries will be paid by the foundation.

Labor has accused the Liberals of not being able to keep up with all their expensive promises.

Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not add to the state’s debt.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“All our commitments are fully funded, fully costed,” he said.

“We’ve taken a budget halfway through parliament, a budget that was stopped midstream by Dean Winter and the Labor Party.

“Our budget had $1 billion across the across the forward estimates to cater for and supporting Tasmanians with increasing health demands. The initiatives we have announced when it comes to the initiatives are ones that are already funded.”

Mr Rockliff’s health focus

There has been a slew of women’s health announcements from Mr Rockliff and the Liberal Party, Mr Rockliff says it’s not a way to sway the female vote but a focus on what Tasmania needs.

“We are focusing on areas around Tasmania where we can see a need and where organisations and individuals outlines that need to us,” he said.

“We invest in those essential services that Tasmanian women and families truly care about.”

Mr Rockliff said he has met with “many Tasmanians” over the election period, from farmers, small business owners, community groups and families.

“That’s what drives me, to make a positive difference for all Tasmanians, irrespective of circumstantial backgrounds,” he said.

The Women’s Health Strategy has included announcements of fertility treatment subsidies, restoring the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at the University of Tasmania, funding for women’s health clinic, The Bubble, and building a new diagnostic Tasmanian Breast Care Centre in Hobart.

Originally published as Liberals support for eight perinatal mental health clinicians for Tasmania

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/tasmania/liberals-support-for-eight-perinatal-mental-health-clinicians-for-tasmania/news-story/67131c2865984e878b6106e62e9b2582