Australian Medical Association

The AMA welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement that May Budget cuts to mental health services are hurting patients but its decision not to reverse cuts to Medicare funding for GP mental health services is disappointing.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the Government has failed to address the fact that the Budget cuts to Medicare rebates for general practice mental health services are having a detrimental impact on patients.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, today urged all Australians to keep an eye out for neighbours and relatives for signs of stress, distress, depression or loneliness over the Christmas period.

Dr Hambleton said that the Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration and family for most people but it can also be a time of sadness and isolation for others.

The AMA applauds today’s decision to appoint the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to Cabinet, and adding Social Inclusion to his portfolio.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that mental health and ageing are key areas of the health portfolio that deserve the attention and advocacy of a Cabinet Minister.

MJA release - Paternal depression during a child’s first year can have a negative impact on the child’s behaviour and development, according to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

The Government is cutting Medicare rebates for GP mental health services under the Better Access Program by up to 49%. This may mean increased out of pocket expenses for patients who access these services. This kit has been prepared to support GPs in advising their patients why they may now face a gap for these services because of the Government's cuts.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that this week’s messy and divided outcome from the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Commonwealth's funding and administration of mental health services reflects the enormity of community interest in mental health, and the confusing and misinformed input from some key stakeholders.

The Government’s savage cuts to mental health services available through general practice come into effect tomorrow, 1 November.

Under changes announced in the May Budget, the Government is cutting Medicare rebates for GP mental health services under the Better Access Program by up to 46 per cent.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton talks about asylum seekers, Indigenous health and Government cuts to GP mental health services. He discusses his recent trip to Broome, where he met with the Kimberley Aboriginal Services Council.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, has written to the Prime Minister and the Health Minister delivering a petition with more than 4400 signatures of people calling for the restoration of funding for mental health services provided under the Better Access Program.

The petition has been signed by doctors, other health professionals, carers, people who have family members with mental illness, and mental health patients.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, has today written to Health Minister Nicola Roxon calling for a moratorium on the Government’s Budget cuts to GP mental health services under the Better Access program, which are due to commence from 1 November.

The AMA has been actively campaigning against the cuts since Budget night in May and has gained the support of GPs, mental health experts, and the families of people with mental illness.

Dr Hambleton said that the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee – which received more than 1000 submissions – is currently looking into the Government’s handling of mental health services and is not due to report until 20 October.