❓ Question on mental health priorities. Answer focuses on criticising the previous government's handling of mental health services, highlighting issues like the 'revolving door' of readmissions and lack of community support, while outlining the current government's commitment to addressing these issues with initiatives like a suicide prevention action plan.
AnsweredQoN 44Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MENTAL HEALTH — PRIORITIES
Before I ask my question of the minister, I acknowledge the staff and students of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in the public gallery this afternoon. As this state’s first Minister for Mental Health, will the minister tell the house what priorities he has identified to address the needs of the one-in-five Western Australians who will experience some form of mental illness at firsthand? Dr G.G. JACOBS
Before I ask my question of the minister, I acknowledge the staff and students of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in the public gallery this afternoon. As this state’s first Minister for Mental Health, will the minister tell the house what priorities he has identified to address the needs of the one-in-five Western Australians who will experience some form of mental illness at firsthand? Dr G.G. JACOBS
AnswerView source ↗
I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
As this state’s first Minister for Mental Health, will the minister tell the house what priorities he has identified to address the needs of the one-in-five Western Australians who will experience some form of mental illness at firsthand? Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
As this state’s first Minister for Mental Health, will the minister tell the house what priorities he has identified to address the needs of the one-in-five Western Australians who will experience some form of mental illness at firsthand? Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
I congratulate the member for Kingsley for her coming to this place and her excellent inaugural speech. I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
I would suggest that not one person in this house is unaffected by the knowledge of someone in their family or someone among their friends who is affected by some degree of mental illness. When those opposite were on this side of the house and the member for Fremantle was Minister for Health, his lack of attention to mental health in the state of Western Australia led not only to increased stigma but also to poor care. Under his so-called guidance, under his watch, he created what I call the revolving door. The poor care in acute illness for mental health resulting from readmissions of people who had been discharged into the community — Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Mr J.A. McGinty : Do you believe what you are saying? Nobody else does. Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : If the member cannot understand this, it tells us why nothing was done in the area of mental health in the state of Western Australia. What happened was a poorly resourced system — Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Mr J.A. McGinty : The mentally ill deserve better than this. Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : I will tell the member for Fremantle about the mentally ill. In my role as a general practitioner for over 25 years in this state in a remote community — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Fremantle! Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : People were admitted to hospital for acute care and discharged early because of lack of resources. They were hot-bedded in care and discharged early into the community without a discharge summary and without any community follow-up and community care. Community care is letting down people with mental illness. People are discharged from acute care, get into a revolving door and are readmitted to hospital. The member for Fremantle invented the revolving door; in fact, he lubricated the revolving door. Point of Order Mr P.B. WATSON : The minister is not answering the question. All he is doing is attacking the member for Fremantle. I think he is really enjoying it. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order. I urge the minister to get to the point. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am talking about the lack of transitional arrangements for people being in acute care, then being in the community and not being supported in the community, and then going back into acute care. This government has recognised that, although ambulance ramping and surgical waiting lists are important, mental health particularly and the care of people in the community were not even on the previous government’s radar. This government has created a ministry. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : We have recognised the importance of support for people with mental illness. We are well on the way to appointing a commissioner. Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : Members opposite want to make light of mental illness. It is not right. This is serious. We on this side care — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
The SPEAKER : Order! The question has been asked, and I am sure that all members heard the question. The minister is answering that question. I would like to hear some of the answer myself, as I am sure members from the both the opposition side and government side would like to hear the answer. Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : More people from Western Australia die from self-harm and suicide as a result of mental illness than die as a result of the appalling number of road accidents. What did the previous government do? It started the process of the Western Australian suicide prevention strategy, which was contained in a fancy little booklet. What was the problem? It did not have any legs and it did not have an action plan, so it just sat there meaning nothing. We are committing $13 million over two years to a Western Australian suicide prevention action strategy plan to deliver on the ground to everybody affected by mental illness. Mental illness can affect all of us. It may, but for the grace of God, affect me, other members, their relatives or friends. Members should never make light of it. We are serious about care. This government cares for people in not only the metropolitan area but also remote and regional communities.
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