Hon Martin Pritchard questions the reduction in workforce development funding for mental health from 2013-2014 to 2014-2015 and inquires about community sector access to these funds. The Minister explains the reduction was due to the development of a comprehensive workforce strategy.

AnsweredQoN 3837Legislative Council
Asked
24 February 2016
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the amount of funding allocated to workforce development, which fell substantially
from $571,000 in 2013-2014 to $410,000 in 2014-2015, and I ask: (a) why is this; and (b) can community sector organisations access to this pool of funding for
Workforce Development?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
28 April 2016
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
64 days
(a) A key feature identified from the consultation period for the draft Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-2025 (the Plan) was the need for a comprehensive workforce strategy for the mental health, and alcohol and other drugs sectors. A workforce strategy will guide efforts to plan and prepare an appropriately skilled, high performing workforce at sufficient levels to provide effective mental health and alcohol and other drug services in line with the optimal mix and level of services detailed in the Plan.
In 2015/16 the workforce priority is the development of the workforce strategy to ensure that coordinated and effective workforce investments can be made in the future. Funds have been allocated to supporting the development of the workforce strategy, in addition to the continuation of activities that are likely to reflect priorities identified in the workforce strategy.
The funding reduced in 2014-15 awaiting the development of the workforce strategy to inform the appropriate funding investments in workforce development.
(b) The funding is used to provide grants for training for workers across government and non-government services. Activities include:

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