Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:48): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s continued rollout of mental health and wellbeing locals. Last week I announced that the new Cardinia, Darebin, Maribyrnong, Port Phillip, Wyndham, Maroondah and Mount Alexander locals have commenced delivering services. Mental health and wellbeing supports are now available via phone or telehealth and will scale up to offering in-person support over the coming months. Once scaled up they will provide the full range of clinical and wellbeing supports delivered in person, via telehealth or through outreach. That brings the total number of locals now to 22 across 24 locations, making it easier for more Victorians to access the mental health and wellbeing support they need free of charge, with no Medicare card or GP referral required. Locals are the front door to the mental health system, offering support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.

It was great to visit the Melton local last week with my good friend the member for Melton Steve McGhie in the other place to officially open their permanent premises in Cobblebank. The Melton local is operating really well, has been operating since 2023 and offers a range of clinical and wellbeing mental health supports to the Melton community, all free of charge. The Allan Labor government is proud to deliver these important services right across the state. They have already supported almost 30,000 Victorians, and we will continue building a mental health system that is community-based, person-centred and guided by lived experience.