STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr PIKE (Bowman) (13:30): The former Liberal-National government committed $3.4 million over four years to establish and operate a new adult mental health service in my community. Reaffirming the previous government's commitment should have been a simple process for the Minister for Health and Aged Care; instead, this Labor government equivocated for nine months only to arrive at the same decision.

After many letters from me and plenty of community advocacy, the project finally got underway but only after a significant delay. I'm pleased to report the Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre has opened its doors at 40 Middle St, Cleveland, just up the road from my electorate office. I was pleased to receive an invitation from the provider and Brisbane South PHN to speak at the opening.

I had to laugh when the assistant minister insisted my invitation be withdrawn. What a sad indictment when it was her government that was the one that tried to kill this Liberal-National project. Mental health is a battle many Redlanders contend with daily.

The Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre is a vital step towards addressing this crisis. It offers free, immediate and accessible mental health support to those in need. No Medicare card, GP referral or appointment is required.

Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or continuing a complex mental health journey, they'll find a welcoming team of highly qualified professionals and people with lived experience who will take the time to understand their needs and connect them to support. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in that project. It will serve our community well for years to come.