A $46.5 million will be allocated to combat mental health issues under the state government’s latest “recovery” announcement.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said more needed to be done to support an increasing number of people with mental health issues as a result of the pandemic.
“This treatment needs to respond to local needs and be community based,” she said.
It was a broad view of what the government was calling a “six-point plan” towards further recovery.
Protecting health, creating jobs, working together and growing the economy are pillars of the next phase of Queensland’s economic recovery plan, a statement said.
“This is a crisis like no other and protecting Queenslanders health and economic recovery go hand in hand,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“But while we are focused on uniting against the global pandemic, we also need to have our eye on the way COVID-19 is changing the world we live in.
“That’s the key to future opportunities to grow the economy, create secure jobs and build a strong Queensland in the longer term.”
The money committed to mental health was part of $200 million in initiatives.
The six priority areas are:
- Safeguarding our Health – safeguarding your health, and your job, by keeping Queensland pandemic ready
- Backing small business – helping small business, the backbone of our economy, thrive in a changing environment
- Making it for Queensland – growing manufacturing across traditional and new industries, making new products in new ways and creating jobs
- Building Queensland – driving investment in the infrastructure that supports our recovery, resilience and future prosperity
- Growing our regions – Helping Queensland’s regions grow by attracting people, talent and investment, and driving sustainable economic prosperity
- Investing in skills – ensuring Queenslanders have the skills they need to find meaningful jobs and set up pathways for the future.
“Our investment shows that we are not only committed to building back – it’s about building back better and stronger,” Treasurer and Woodridge MP Cameron Dick said.
“A partnership approach is key to our future success.
“Extensive consultation through the Queensland Industry Recovery Alliance and Regional Recovery Networks has informed this plan and we look forward to working together on the recovery path ahead.”
To view Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan – https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/our-economic-recovery-strategy
