Page 2596 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 2013
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we have a system and a dedicated set of health professionals who have professionally dealt with a great number of complex mental health issues over many years. Currently, secure mental health services can be provided at the Brian Hennessy Rehabilitation Centre, the Alexander Maconochie Centre and the adult mental health unit of the Canberra Hospital when it is clinically required. High secure and longer term medium secure inpatient services are provided in New South Wales.
The construction of a secure mental health facility in the ACT is the next element of the territory's mental health system, and it is a high government priority. The scope of the project has changed over the planning period as other facilities and services have been developed and the need for the secure mental health services has been better defined. Through considering advice, talking to experts, and analysing the capital costs and demand projections, the need to construct a medium secure mental health inpatient unit has become clearer.
Although a 15-bed high security facility was previously recommended, external reviews by New South Wales Health Infrastructure and Forensicare Victoria have led us to conclude that more beds at medium and low secure levels should be a priority. Therefore, the government will build a 25-bed medium and low secure facility in Symonston at the former Quamby Youth Detention Centre. The site, like the specifications, is a recommendation based on extensive investigations. It allows for a safe and secure facility close to the Canberra Hospital with a supportive environment that could not be achieved if the facility was located at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
As both an outside observer and since becoming a member of the government, I have watched the public discussion play out around this facility. The rationale, the due diligence, the thorough analysis, and the careful budgeting for this project have been clear. It is with the knowledge of all this work that the government has decided to expedite the design and build of this facility. The tripartisan support which has emerged for this decision suggests that all parties feel the same way, and I hope this spirit continues through the life of the project.
Public consultation will continue to be a vital part of the design and planning process, and the community as well as key stakeholders will have a say in how the project progresses. Just the same, public advocacy from MLAs will help give the public and the mental health profession the confidence that this project is in the interests of all Canberrans. It will not demonise mental health patients and it will not threaten local neighbourhoods. What it will do is add a vital string to the bow of the ACT's mental health network and help tailor treatment to people with acute health needs.
Mental health advocates have often lamented our society's reluctance to discuss mental health. This project gives us a great opportunity not only to support some of the most vulnerable in our community and their families but also to lead a more compassionate and informed discussion on this public health issue that touches so many of our lives. I commend the motion to the Assembly.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (11.24): I indicate at the outset that the Canberra Liberals support the thrust of this motion but I will move an
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