Scott Morrison promises Parramatta mental health centre

As ScoMo returned to the key election battleground of Parramatta once again, he pledged a $14 million mental health centre for the community but a location has not been finalised.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has vowed to deliver a $14 million mental health centre at Parramatta, called Head to Health, if he wins the May 21 election.

As he visited Granville’s Abla Pastries Lebanese sweet shop alongside Parramatta Liberal candidate Maria Kovacic, Mr Morrison said the centre would be part of a network of community-based mental health services for adults under his government’s $3 billion national mental health and suicide prevention plan.

It will provide immediate and short to medium term mental health treatment and support for people in distress or with moderate to severe mental illness.

The Primary Health Network will consult with the community to determine the centre’s location following community consultation.

Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said the facility was one of many Head to Health services being established across Australia to provide mental health support to Australians experiencing mental health challenges.

“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians,” he said.

ScoMo stocks up on Lebanese sweets at Abla’s Pastries at Granville. Picture: Jason Edwards

“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that people have access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”

Ms Kovacic welcomed the “major boost” to critical mental health services in the region.

“This centre will provide a safe, stigma-free service that is an entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports,’’ she said.

“I encourage people who are worried about their own or a loved one’s mental health to visit this centre.

“The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.”

The Western Sydney Primary Health Network will commission the Parramatta centre, which will receive $14 million over four years from 2022 to establish and operate the service.

Scott Morrison with Maria Kovacic and Abla’s owner Milad Abla. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Morrison has been a regular in Parramatta on the campaign trail as his government battles to win the seat off Labor, which hold it by 3.5 per cent.

He visited Eid celebrations near CommBank Stadium on Sunday (where former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was also supporting Labor hopeful Andrew Charlton) when he also popped into North Parramatta’s The Container cafe.

• For help call Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or visit headtohealth.gov.au

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