Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:22): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is ensuring every Victorian, no matter what their background, can access the mental health supports that they need and deserve. Victoria is a state enriched by people of many cultures, faiths and abilities, yet too many face barriers when it comes to seeking mental health support. Earlier this month I was proud to launch the diverse communities mental health and wellbeing framework and blueprint for action. Developed in genuine partnership with community members, organisations and service providers, it embodies shared leadership, deep engagement and a collective vision for lasting change. The framework sets a 10-year vision for a mental health system where diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded at every level. It recognises that people’s experiences are shaped by their culture, disability, sexuality and other factors. It aligns with other key government strategies, including Victoria’s anti-racism strategy, the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, Pride in Our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy, the Inclusive Victoria state disability plan and the government’s response to the Victorian multicultural review. The first blueprint for action provides a three-year plan to boost system responsiveness and strengthen organisations’ capability across the sector. It was supported by investment, including $4.8 million for Switchboard, Rainbow Door, multicultural and multifaith mental health supports and the training of Auslan and Deaf interpreters. Every Victorian deserves a mental health system that sees them, supports them and stands with them. Unlike those opposite, this government does not just talk about the change, we actually get on and deliver it.