NEWMAN GOVERNMENT AXES HELP FOR ROCKY’S VULNERABLE YOUNGSTERS

Media Release

 

The Newman Government’s decision to stop funding a successful and much-needed adolescent counselling program in Rockhampton shows it is prepared to risk young lives to save a few hundred thousand dollars, says Member for Rockhampton, Bill Byrne.

 

“Like many in Rockhampton I am appalled by the decision to withdraw State Government funding for Carinity Communities Wahroonga’s mental health program in the city."

 

“Over the past 11 years this service has helped more than 1,100 young people deal with depression and mental health issues associated with bullying, abuse and neglect. There is no doubt in my mind that it has saved lives by counselling adolescents at risk of self-harm."

 

“The Newman Government has stopped its funding, to save $360,000 a year, claiming that the work Carinity Wahroonga was doing was being duplicated by another agency which receives funding from the Federal Government’s Medicare Local."

 

“But, after hearing from students who have benefitted from the work of the Wahroonga Adolescent Counselling Program I hold real fears that some young people will now miss out on the help they need."

 

“I have been advised that the program has been very successful in Rockhampton in breaking down barriers and reaching out to teenagers in school. To benefit, young people did not need a mental health plan from a GP. Sessions with counsellors were unlimited."

 

“In stark contrast, I am advised the other program is more limited and restrictive and it is already being overwhelmed with referrals. Early interventions, so important in dealing with young people at risk of self-harm, could be compromised."

 

“It seems to me that the Newman Government is taking a massive gamble here with the lives of young people."

 

“Frankly, those vulnerable young people in Rockhampton, and their families, deserve much better than this."

 

“It is the act of a mean-spirited government that is prepared to sacrifice the mental well-being, and maybe even the lives of depressed, anxious and suicidal teenagers while it continues to lavish taxpayers’ money on advertising for its unwanted asset privatisation program."

 

“If the Member for Keppel wants to save money and benefit his community he should use his influence to persuade Campbell Newman to stop wasting millions of dollars on spin-doctors and advertising."

 

“Teenage suicide, self-harm and mental breakdown in Rockhampton is far too serious an issue to be treated in such a cavalier fashion by the government of the day."

 

“The Newman Government should be doing more, not less, to provide for the needs of vulnerable young people.”