Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to call the election – but with promises and commitments flowing, it feels like the campaign is well underway.
And Parramatta is set to be a key focus for both Albanese and Peter Dutton.
On Sunday, the Coalition announced that a Dutton Government will invest $5 million to upgrade headspace Parramatta and ensure young Australians living in western Sydney have better access to the mental health services.
This investment will boost capacity at headspace Parramatta, including through additional support workers and youth mentors, to ensure more young people can access free support and bring down wait times.
It will provide for an additional 8,000 visits per year at headspace Parramatta, allowing approximately 1,800 more young people in the local community to access the support they need.
The funding will also support headspace Parramatta to proactively perform community outreach activities.
“As a former Health Minister who expanded headspace’s activities, I know the critical role that headspace plays for young Australians and their families who may be facing mental health challenges,” Dutton said in Parramatta on Sunday.
“This important investment builds on the Coalition’s proud record of strengthening the headspace network and increasing access to mental health support for young Australians.”
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Melissa McIntosh, said that western Sydney families suffered when the Albanese Labor Government ripped the Medicare funded mental health sessions away.
“Under the cost-of-living crisis caused by the Albanese Government, many youth in western Sydney have not been able to afford psychology sessions,” she said.
“This incredible investment in headspace Parramatta will ensure western Sydney kids can get mental health support when they need it.”
Liberal Candidate for Parramatta, Katie Mullens, said this commitment to local mental health services showed that a Liberal Government will be focused on local community needs if it comes to power at the election.
“I’ve been advocating relentlessly for more investment in mental health for Parramatta, to help people in our community who are struggling,” she said.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.