Tuesday, 22 September 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (14:44): I rise to update the house on how the Carroll Labor government is delivering better access to specialist mental health care for children and families in Melbourne’s growing west. Yesterday I was pleased to join the member for Tarneit Dylan Wight to officially open the relocated Royal Children’s Hospital south-west infant, child and family mental health and wellbeing service. The service provides community-based assessment, treatment and care for children aged zero to 11 years, and importantly it is focused on early intervention and family-centred care. The new location provides improved clinical accommodation, including consulting rooms, observation rooms and workspaces, to support contemporary models of care. These spaces will support specialist clinical care and future service growth in an environment that is designed for infants, children and their families. Delivered as part of our government’s $33.4 million community mental health expansion program, this investment forms part of our ongoing commitment to expanding community-based mental health care throughout Victoria.

Nick McGowan: What about Ringwood?

Ingrid STITT: I opened a local there last week. We are investing in community-based services like this one right across Victoria, because we know how important it is for care to be provided –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, go back a few sentences, because I could not hear, and then you can go past the clock to finish your statement.

Ingrid STITT: I am happy to go from the top if you would prefer.

The PRESIDENT: If you are happy to, we will reset the clock. Two minutes, please.

Ingrid STITT: I rise to update the house on how the Carroll Labor government is delivering better access to specialist mental health care for children and families in Melbourne’s growing west. Yesterday I was very pleased to join the member for Tarneit Dylan Wight to officially open the relocated Royal Children’s Hospital south-west infant, child and family mental health and wellbeing service. The service provides community-based assessment, treatment and care for children aged zero to 11 years, and importantly it focuses on early intervention and family-centred care. These spaces will support specialist clinical care and future service growth in an environment that is designed for infants, children and their families. Delivered as part of our $33.4 million investment into community mental health expansion, this forms part of our ongoing commitment to expanding community-based mental health care throughout Victoria. We are investing in community-based services like this one across Victoria, because we know how important it is for the care to be provided when and where it is needed the most. Delivering care in the community means that children and families remain connected to their schools, local services and support networks while receiving the treatment they need. As Melbourne’s western suburbs continue to grow, we are investing in the services that children and families need now and well into the future.