Australians on the Central Coast will have more options for free, public mental health care backed by Medicare, if the Labor government is re-elected on May 3.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre in Tuggerah will be upgraded to a full service and Headspace in Gosford will be upgraded to a Headspace Plus.
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free, walk-in mental health support and care for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
The centres are staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, nurses and peer support workers, who will provide wraparound support and care across extended hours.
To boost access to specialist care, the Albanese Labor Government has invested an additional $29.9M to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists for every centre in the 2024/25 Budget.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre at Tuggerah is part of a $225M election commitment to roll out 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres.
Headspace provides a welcoming, youth-friendly space and highly trained staff who can provide help with mental health care, physical and sexual health care, alcohol and drug issues, and work and study.
Headspace centres assist the growing number of young people aged 12 to 25 who experience or are at risk of mild to moderate mental ill-health.
Headspace Plus is a new model of Headspace with additional staff and capability to support young people with more complex and serious mental health issues.
The Headspace Plus in Gosford is part of a $200M-plus election commitment by the Albanese Government to roll out 58 new or upgraded Headspace services.
From January 1, 2026, a new national early intervention service will be available for anyone to access free mental health support.
Approximately 150,000 Australians are expected to use the service each year, getting free support early, without waiting for a referral or being worried about a gap fee.
Member for Dobell Emma McBride said a re-elected Labor government would put mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the heart of communities.
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said that as an emergency department doctor his priority was the health and wellbeing of the community.
“Labor wants everyone, and especially young people, to be able to access the mental health care they need,” he said.
“Whether you need short-term support or ongoing care, young or old, we will ensure that a free, mental health service backed by Medicare will be there for you and your family.”
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
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