The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victorians struggling with an eating disorder can get the care they need to live a full and healthy life.
That’s why the Victorian Budget 2024/25 is delivering a significant $31 million investment for vital tailored services and treatment options.
This funding comes following the unprecedented global pandemic and the pervasive impact of social media which have both caused a significant rise in new eating disorders and relapses – a statistic that is sadly replicated worldwide.
The package includes $6.4 million to deliver 10 dedicated early intervention professionals in the communities that need them most through Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. These professionals will support consumers to improve the speed of recovery, reduce symptoms and the likelihood of long-term recovery.
Every Victorian deserves to get the support they need, no matter their address – that’s why we’re investing $6.9 million to establish a new Eating Disorders Day Program in regional Victoria.
Offering access to support and treatment – including group therapy, individual work, education, medical consultation and supervised meals, this profoundly important work will allow Victorians to remain at home while receiving the same care delivered at inpatient units.
The Budget will also deliver $6.5 million for two In-Home Intensive Early Engagement and Treatment Programs, one to be delivered by Alfred Health and one by an Infant, Child and Youth Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service – this work will help people living with eating disorders avoid hospitalisation.
We’ll also provide $5.8 million to support the work of Eating Disorders Victoria, helping to continue its critical role supporting Victorians experiencing eating disorders and their families and carers with services such as wellbeing checks, telehealth services and delivering life-changing initiatives like their unique Peer Mentoring Program.
This funding also includes $5.1 million to maintain the provision of treatment, care, and support to consumers with eating disorders at Melbourne Health, Austin Health, and Monash Health.
This package builds on over $39 million for eating disorders in the last two Budgets, including $16.9 million for Victoria’s first Public Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Centre (RED-TC) – currently under construction.
Backed by $13 million in capital investment from the Australian Government, the RED-TC offers a unique model of care in a home-like environment with 24/7 support, filling the gap between acute and primary healthcare.
Work is underway on more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations, with an investment of more than $6 billion since the report was handed down – the largest mental health investment in Australia’s history.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“We recognise the vital impact of early intervention for Victorians facing mental health challenges, including eating disorders. This funding is crucial, helping us to deliver life-saving care and treatment.”
“Eating disorders can have a significant impact on not only those who live with them, but their families and carers as well – that’s why we are also providing support to families.”
