Dear Members
As we work through the details of the 2022-23 October Budget this evening our thoughts are with members and communities currently battling flooding across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
The Federal Government has stated that the focus of this Budget is to audit current expenditure, identify waste and limit new spending to combat inflation and reduce the current debt and deficit.
Tonight, we’re focusing on how important this Budget is to help overcome the ongoing growth in demand for mental health support in Australia, due to the combined effects of natural disasters, climate change, and the pandemic.
Along with ongoing member consultation, this Budget will influence our advocacy efforts and focus as the year draws to a close and a more substantive Federal Budget is released in May 2023.
Our initial analysis
Our initial analysis is that this is a disappointing Budget for our profession and the people and communities we serve. And while previous initiatives announced in the May Budget regarding case conference items, perinatal support and some workforce measures look to have been honoured, there is very little additional funding announced.
The most concerning finding is that there is no commitment to make the 10 additional Medicare sessions a permanent feature of the Medicare system. The items are currently due to end on 31 December.
CEO Dr Zena Burgess and I continue to provide feedback to politicians, bureaucrats and the media about the importance of this measure, and we will keep members informed in the coming weeks.
We acknowledge the Government's commitment to reducing the cost-of-living pressures which, as we know, are having a psychological impact on many Australians. This will be achieved through various support measures such as cheaper childcare and more affordable housing. However, overall, the economic forecast has been described as 'bleak' and these pressures are likely to remain a source of stress and concern in the community.
There are 925 pages and multiple appendices in Budget, and we will provide you with relevant updates as more thorough analysis is undertaken. Your questions can also be directed to [email protected]
Key areas
Better Access Sessions
Initial analysis
- There is no new funding to extend, or make permanent, the current 10 additional Medicare Better Access sessions beyond 31 December 2022.
Next steps
Since September the APS has made over 200 media appearances advocating for the program to become permanent and with your help, we will continue to make our case directly and publicly to Government and the community.
Psychology workforce
Initial analysis
- $29.4 million over 4 years from 2022–23 to expand the list of eligible health professionals and increase the rural loading in the practice stream of the Workforce Incentive Program
- $24.7 million over 4 years from 2022–23 to fund an additional 3 rounds of the Innovative Models of Care Program to trial new primary care models.
Residential Aged Care
Initial analysis
- There is no new funding to make aged care psychological services a permanent feature of Medicare.
- $20.6m over 4 years: The Australian Government is providing funding to trial models of multidisciplinary outreach care for residents of aged care facilities.
- $18.9m - the Australian Government is providing funding to deliver a program which provides intensive, specialised care for people with very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Disability
Initial analysis
- Following the independent review into the NDIS this week the Budget includes:
- $385 million in 2023–24 in additional funding to the NDIA for operational funding to support NDIS participants, and
- $18.1 million over two years from 2022–23 to review NDIS design, operations and sustainability.
- $15.9 million over 4 years from 2022–23 (and $6.6 million per year ongoing) to establish and support a National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health. The National Centre of Excellence will deliver resources and research on the health care of people with intellectual disability and provide leadership in meeting the needs of people with intellectual disability. Partial funding for this measure has already been provided for by the Government.
- $2.0 million in 2022–23 to the Autism Cooperative Research Centre to continue autism research, coordination, collaboration and advice
- $1.0 million in 2022–23 for the development of a National Autism Strategy
Next steps
The APS is looking forward to working with the Government on these measures.
Psychologists in schools
Initial analysis
- $203.7 million over two years from 2022–23 to provide a funding boost to every Australian school to help address the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on student wellbeing. Funding will enable the provision of additional mental health and wellbeing support for students, such as mental health professionals, sporting and social activities, and proven student wellbeing and mental health initiatives.
- Funding also includes $10.8 million for a free voluntary mental health check tool to assist teachers and schools to identify students with, or at risk of, declining mental health. The tool will be developed in consultation with experts, states and territories, peak bodies and school communities, and be implemented with parental agreement.
Next steps
It is not clear whether this funding includes psychologists, and we are seeking further information.
Perinatal mental health
Initial analysis
- $26.2 million over 4 years from 2022–23 (with $8.7 million per year ongoing) to establish 12 perinatal mental health centres across Australia to provide Medicare Benefits
- Schedule psychological counselling services to new and expecting parents.
- $22.6m for the Gidget Foundation.
Women’s safety
Initial analysis
- $67.2 million will also be provided to pilot a model of trauma-informed recovery care through 6 Primary Health Networks to improve coordination and access to services.
- $48.7 million investment to expand the Family and Domestic Violence Primary Health Network Pilot will assist primary care providers with early identification and intervention of family, domestic and sexual violence and ensure coordinated referrals to support services.
Next steps
The APS is looking forward to working with the Government on these measures.
Climate change
Initial analysis
- $3.4 million over 4 years from 2022–23 (and $0.7 million per year ongoing) to develop a National Health and Climate Strategy and establish a National Health Sustainability and Climate Unit.
Next steps
The APS is looking forward to working with the Government on these measures.
Next steps
Our team will continue to look at the Budget detail and dig into about what this means for Australians and the sector.
There are other areas which we need to delve into, including:
- Suicide prevention
- Disaster response
- Youth mental health
- Aboriginal and Torres Trait Islanders
- Digital mental health
- Veterans
We will also be looking closely at the workforce financial commitments.
Fireside chat on Monday 16 November | Ask your questions to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention the Hon. Emma McBride MP
Zena and I will be running a Budget special at our Fireside on Wednesday 16 November alongside Assistant Minister the Hon. Emma McBride MP. I encourage you to come along and ask your questions and share your thoughts. There is a lot to consider, and we’ll cover the issues in as much detail as we can. Register now.
Working with Government
Despite what appears to be a disappointing Budget at first glance, I want to thank you for your contributions to our advocacy efforts. Your feedback to keep us informed of what’s important to you in furthering the impact of our wonderful profession is very important to us, and we have poured those insights and energy into the advocacy work such as policy submissions, media appearances and our meetings with Government.
We will be working with Government on the implementation of these financial commitments and, as always, will continue to communicate with them on what’s needed to bring the benefits of psychology to our communities.
Tamara Cavenett FAPS GAICD
President