The Greens have today criticised the Government’s “inadequate and half-hearted” commitment to funding specialist mental health services for the GBTIQ+ community on the lead up to the postal vote on Marriage Equality.
Spokesperson for Mental Health Hon. Alison Xamon MLC said while she was relieved the Government had recognised the need for increased mental health assistance ahead of the survey, today’s announcement fell well short of what was likely to be needed.
“The $30,000 provided to Living Proud falls woefully short of the $80,000 pulled from the organisation in June,” Ms Xamon said.
“What had served as core funding for that organisation had ceased and it has meant it had to wind back its activity and also some of its activity with telephone and web counselling service, QLife.
“The $30 000 that will be made available up to November this year is for the purpose of seeing whether there is some way that it can find ongoing funding. It remains unclear what will become of Living Proud come January.
“Restoring less than half of the funding needed to adequately run the organisation is insulting at best and negligent at worst.
“It is also unclear whether $30,000 provided to WA Aids Council is in fact additional money.”
Ms Xamon said she remained very concerned about the wellbeing of members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
She said now was not the time to look at any reduction in funding for specialised mental health services for the LGBTIQ+ community, particularly considering what has happened globally with demand for these services as people have become more and more distressed
