Morrison’s $3m boost for mental health in flood zone

Scott Morrison has announced $3m in additional mental health support for areas of Queensland affected by flooding.

Scott Morrison in Sydney yesterday. Picture: AAP

Scott Morrison has announced $3 million in additional mental health support for areas of Queensland affected by flooding, including communities previously devastated by drought, and upgraded disaster relief funding.

In conjunction with the state government, the Prime Minister yesterday promised “a surge response team to support health professionals in north, central and western Queensland”.

“It will be a very, very difficult time,” he told reporters in Sydney. “And while there are services in towns, those who are out in stations, those who are out dealing on the ground with their stock who are dying in some of the most horrific circumstances, they will need our support.”

Mr Morrison said disaster funding would also be upgraded from a maximum $25,000 to $75,000. “Our initial estimate of this cost will be $100m from the commonwealth’s share perspective,” he said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced yesterday that teachers and families at Townsville state schools would be able to claim critical disaster funding to replace education supplies.