Shepparton electorate
Ms SHEED (Shepparton) (14:43): (6372) My question is for the Minister for Mental Health. We have become acutely aware over the last two years of the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health for the whole community and in particular for young people. This has been exhibited in a number of ways, including an increased presentation of eating disorders and even suicides. Molly, a young constituent of mine, has raised her concerns with me about access to mental health services. In the Shepparton district there are no inpatient facilities for children and adolescents. The closest option is at Eastern Health in Box Hill. With the significant investment of $163 million for a new mental health unit at Goulburn Valley Health announced in the recent budget, can the minister advise whether there will be a capacity in that new mental health unit for inpatient services for children and adolescents who need such services in their own town?