IN LIEU of a firm election promise to establish a dedicated youth mental health facility in the Swan Hill municipality, Federal Coalition members say they are finalising plans to visit the region.
Swan Hill was not included in the last round of headspace centre announcements, despite figures showing the region’s intentional self-harm hospitalisation rate for youth more than tripled the Victorian average.
Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has been a fierce critic of the decision, saying the Federal Government’s “human intelligence” had failed the Swan Hill community.
However, when asked last week if the Coalition would commit to establishing a headspace site in Swan Hill if elected to government this year, Ms McKenzie said it was too early to make such a call.
“We’re a little way off [the election],” Ms McKenzie said.
“We still have to be entrusted with the honour of government.”
Ms McKenzie said her office was in talks with Shadow Mental Health Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells for the pair to visit Swan Hill to see the issue first-hand.
A spokesman for Ms Fierravanti-Wells confirmed such discussions were taking place.
“I can confirm that Senator McKenzie’s office has been in contact with us regarding a potential visit to Swan Hill, with negotiation on dates still to be finalised,” he said.
For more on this story, see Monday’s edition of The Guardian (11/02/13).
