Tuesday, 14 May 2024

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:34): I rise to update the house on the significant investment our government is making to support Victorians struggling with eating disorders. We know that there has been a rise in the demand for eating disorder support in the last few years – a statistic that is sadly replicated across the world. That is why in the 2024–25 Victorian budget we are investing $25.6 million into services and treatment options for eating disorders to make sure Victorians can get the care they need no matter where they live.

Our investment this year includes $6.4 million to deliver 10 dedicated early intervention professionals in the communities that need them most, delivered through area mental health and wellbeing services. And for regional Victorians we are investing $6.9 million to establish an eating disorders day program in regional Victoria, allowing consumers to remain at home while accessing life-changing care, including group therapy, medical consultation and supervised meals. A further $6.5 million will fund two in-house intensive early engagement and treatment programs tailored to the specific needs of each young person who accesses this care, supporting young Victorians closer to their homes and families. We will also provide $5.8 million to support the important work of Eating Disorders Victoria, helping to continue its role supporting Victorians experiencing eating disorders, and their family and carers.

Importantly, this investment supports the release of the forthcoming eating disorders strategy. We are taking a system-wide approach to prevention, early intervention and treatment for Victorians living with debilitating eating disorders.