The Northern Territory health portfolio has been allocated a record $1.115 billion in the 2011-12 budget, a $25 million rise on last year.

 

Mental Health Services across the Territory will receive total funding of nearly $48 million. This includes an additional $7.8 million over the next three years for suicide prevention strategies and enhanced child and adolescent services.

 

There is additional funding in the budget for training for frontline workers, increased education in schools and targeted intervention for young people at risk.

 

The funds will also increase support to GPs, health centres and schools to better support young people with mental health problems.

 

Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, said the new funding is in addition to $14 million already committed to building two secure care facilities in Darwin and Alice Springs for young people and adults with complex needs, as well as providing additional mental health beds in both hospitals.

 

Budget 2011 also continues to invest in community support services with $82.4 million for frail aged people and people with a disability.

 

Other highlights from the 2011 NT budget include:

  • An additional $5.2 million to fund alcohol reforms, including enhancing existing alcohol treatment and rehabilitation options, and establishing new services to meet the demands of people with significant alcohol problems.
  • $2.5 million to continue implementation of co-ordinated approach to patient care from hospital to community for Indigenous patients
  • $3  million increase for St John Ambulance Australia (NT) for emergency road ambulance and medical transportation services
  • $14.6 million to further reduce waiting times in NT hospitals for emergency departments and for elective surgery through the Commonwealth’s National Partnership Agreement.