Multi-million-dollar boost for child and youth mental health services

• The Miles Government is investing $330 million into youth mental health and alcohol and other drug services, the largest in Queensland’s history
• Almost $68 million has been allocated to provide more specialist mental health support for young Queenslanders.
• The nearly $68 million investment is funding new and expanded child and youth acute response teams across 12 hospital and health services (HHSs).

The Miles Government is investing $67.8 million in new and enhanced Child and Youth Acute Response Teams to improve mental health outcomes for young people.

This investment means Queensland children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis, including those at risk of suicide, can access support services and care through the acute response teams across more HHSs.

New child and youth acute response teams have been established in the Darling Downs, Metro North, and Townsville HHSs.

With services boosted across Cairns and Hinterland, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, West Moreton and Wide Bay HHSs.

There are also existing teams operating in Central Queensland, Mackay, Metro South and Children's Health Queensland HHSs.

An additional 33 new positions have been created to ensure more skilled professionals are available to offer vital care and support, increasing the total response team workforce to 76 full-time positions.

These extra resources will provide improved rapid response, assessment, and community follow-up to young people aged up to 18 years.

This investment is part of the Miles Government’s $1.645 billion Better Care Together Plan to improve mental health, alcohol and other drug services across the state.

In total, the Miles Government investment into youth mental health and other drug services through the Better Care Together plan is $330 million, the largest in Queensland’s history.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Mental Health Shannon Fentiman:

“This is the biggest investment in youth mental health and alcohol and other drug services by any government.  

“We know that suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians, and we need to do everything we can to support their health and wellbeing.

“This significant investment of almost $68 million will support the incredible work of these teams to meet the unique challenges faced by children and young people.

“Making sure young people can access specialist and compassionate mental health care faster will ensure they get the right support when they need it most.

“The Miles Government is absolutely committed to ensuring every young Queenslander has access to the resources they need to navigate challenges and build a brighter future.

“These initiatives will not only provide immediate relief during crises but also contribute to building resilience and fostering positive mental health outcomes for the youth of the state, now and for years to come.” 

ENDS