Thursday, 4 June 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Government Services, Special Minister of State, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria) (12:31): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is making it easier for locals in Melbourne’s south-east to access free mental health care closer to home. I am very proud to be part of a government that is building a mental health system that is community based, person centred and guided by lived experience. Last week I joined the hardworking local members for Pakenham, Emma Vulin, and Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, to officially open the doors on the Cardinia mental health and wellbeing local. The locals are the front door to our mental health system, offering support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness and psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction. The community in Cardinia are now able to access tailored support in person at locations in both Pakenham and Cockatoo. The local in Cardinia forms part of our network of 22 locals across 24 locations, providing care and support to adults experiencing mental illness and psychological distress and making it easier for more Victorians to access mental health and wellbeing support free of charge, with no Medicare card or GP referral required. The Allan Labor government is proud to deliver these important services right across the state, and I am pleased to report to the house that they have now supported more than 43,000 Victorians. Thank you to the team at the local in Pakenham for the work that they do every single day to create a safe and welcoming space for the whole community in Cardinia.