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Govt finally renews mental health funding

Hundreds of mental health services have had their funding extended by a year after weeks of uncertainty.

But the reprieve is only temporary, with Health Minister Sussan Ley sayingĀ theĀ $300 million dollar boost would allow more time to put long-term plans in place.

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ā€œIt’s important this opportunity for positive reform isn’t rushed,ā€ Ms Ley said.

The approaching deadline for funding was June 30.

St Vincent’s Health Australia has welcomed the ā€œsignificant certaintyā€ the decision will bring to the mental health sector, but called for more funding in the long term.

ā€œGiven the undisputed level of unmet demand, we believe there’s a strong case for increasing funding, particularly for services with demonstrated impact,ā€ said St Vincent Health’s CEO Toby Hall.

ā€œAs the Minister turns her mind to the long-term, she should recognise that at the very least the Commonwealth needs to maintain its current levels of investment in mental health.ā€

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