The Andrews Government is closing the doors on local organisations which have worked on suicide prevention programs, improving access to Mental Health Services, and farmer health and wellbeing projects Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell says.
Ms Britnell said the Andrews Government has announced the intention to abolish Victoria’s Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs) after years of uncertainty that hung over the heads of thousands of Victorians involved in the successful health promotion initiative.
She said the Southwest PCP and the Southern Grampians Glenelg PCP have been under a cloud since 2019.
“These programs have done great work in the 21 years since they were implements and have worked often quietly behind the scenes to improve access to services and roll-out important initiatives.
“The southwest PCP teamed up with South West Sport, Western Region AFL and Lifeline Direct to deliver online suicide prevention training to key target groups.
“The Southern Grampians Glenelg PCP undertook a healthy relationships program with secondary school aged students in order to prevent family violence and sexual assault
“Both have worked on important programs which have aimed to improve access to health services across the region and helped support farmers during the dairy downturn in 2016.”
Ms Britnell said when Daniel Andrews was health minister, he said Primary Care Partnerships do “significant work to help people with chronic illnesses”.
“He also said PCPs help Victorians avoid hospitalisation “particularly when people and the health agencies can work together on preventative actions and early intervention”, Ms Britnell said.
“It seems he’s forgotten about the good work these organisations do and has shut the door on this successful program.”
