Today is R U OK? Day, a day to help raise awareness about suicide prevention across our communities and encourage people to have regular and meaningful conversations with family and friends.

“2020 has been a devastating year with COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns have added pressure to people’s mental health and wellbeing,” said the Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP.

“Being cut off from family and loved ones, restrictions in movement and social gatherings, and not knowing whether their job is safe have seen many Australians struggle to adjust to life in a world very different from 2019,” Dr Freelander said.

“That’s why it’s important to reach out to ask the people in our lives: R U OK?”

By starting this simple conversation, you could help a family member, friend or workmate open up.

“Labor welcomes the recent mental health measures announced by the Government, but more is needed,” said the Member for Macarthur.

“The Government recently announced they were lifting the Medicare funded mental health sessions from 10 to 20 but only in Victoria.”

“While this is welcomed, it is not a problem that ends at the Murray River. Australians are doing it tough across the country right now and this extension should be nation-wide.”

And while Scott Morrison has said mental health is a key priority for his Government and commissioned a Productivity Commission report, it still hasn’t been released after two months.

“That report, and the recommendations to improve mental health across our country, are sitting on Greg Hunt’s desk”.

“In fact, the Government doesn’t plan on responding until the 2021 Budget” Dr Freelander said.

This ‘key priority’ is sitting on the backburner, and not given the urgent attention it deserves.

“There is a mental health crisis in Australia, and the Government isn’t doing enough,” said the Member for Macarthur.