Vulnerable Young Australians At Risk As Labor Government Slammed For Headspace Delays, Mental Healthcare Cuts

One Sunshine Coast MP has slammed the Federal Labor Government, as dangerous cuts and ongoing delays put young Australians seeking mental health support at risk.

Andrew Wallace MP, the Federal Member for Fisher and one of Parliament’s most prolific mental health advocates, has today called out the Labor Government for what he describes as a catalogue of cuts and a litany of broken promises when it comes to mental health services and outcomes for young Australians. Mr Wallace highlighted the headspace Caloundra delays as an example of the Government’s disinterest and incompetence – pointing out that it’s now been two and a half years since the Coalition Government announced funding for the crucial youth mental health service.

“Mental healthcare is not a luxury, but yet again, young Australians are paying the price for Labor’s careless and callous cuts. Just look at the inaction and indifference when it comes to the Caloundra headspace – proof positive that Labor just don’t care about the young people of the Sunshine Coast,” Wallace said.

He also condemned Labor for halving the Medicare-funded psychologist visits under the Better Access Initiative, despite clear expert evidence and public demand for these services. “Labor’s cuts to mental health services are a direct blow to vulnerable Australians who rely on these visits, in some instances, just to stay alive,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace also criticised Labor for failing to address the ongoing cost of living and housing crisis, dismantling Australia’s telehealth system, and delaying age verification measures to protect children from online psychological harm.

“Labor’s lack of action on these critical issues is leaving vulnerable Australians entirely unprotected from avoidable and detrimental harms,” Mr Wallace continued.

In contrast, Mr Wallace highlighted the emergence of the Sunshine Coast as a global mental health hub, as proof of the Coalition’s commitment to mental health. He pointed to millions of dollars in funding investments by the previous Coalition Government into various mental health projects and programs on the Sunshine Coast, including: the National PTSD Centre, UniSC Thompson Institute, endED, and Wandi Nerida. These investments came on the back of that same Coalition Government’s landmark $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

“The Coalition is committed to boosting mental health services and outcomes for all Australians,” Wallace emphasised.

Mr Wallace pledged that a Coalition Government would reinstate the 20 Medicare-funded psychologist visits available to vulnerable Australians if elected. “We understand the importance of accessible mental health care and will ensure that Australians receive the support they need,” he promised.

Mr Wallace also took the chance, on National Headspace Day, to call on young Australians to pause, reflect and reconnect with loved ones and support services – particularly as the cost of living crisis drives up distress and drives down access to essential services.

“Whether it’s spending time with family, working with your hands, getting back to nature, or connecting with friends – whatever you do to pause and care for yourself, make sure you take a moment to do it,” Mr Wallace challenged young people, adding. “In our throwaway world, thriving on immediate gratification, it’s easy to lose sight of our value and what’s important. Let me remind you that you are valued, you are loved, and there is always hope.”

Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds. This Headspace Day, everyone is invited to join in supporting youth mental health by taking a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what works for them.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the headspace website for tips and activities to support your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.