The 2023 Tasmanian State budget, which was announced on the 25th of May, has generated mixed responses within the community services sector. While the budget contains various provisions impacting different areas, we are delighted to announce that Mental Health Families and Friends Tasmania and Flourish Tasmania has received additional funding over the next four years. This funding aims to bolster lived experience participation and support for both consumers and families and friends throughout the state. We express our gratitude to the state government for their ongoing support for our organisations and their strong commitment to amplifying the lived experience voice within the mental health sector.

The budget has allocated resources for the establishment of new mental health precincts at both the Launceston General Hospital and the North-West Regional Hospital. This decision reflects the government’s dedication to improving mental health services and infrastructure in Tasmania. The creation of these precincts will provide enhanced facilities and resources to cater to the diverse needs of individuals seeking mental health support in these regions.

Recognising the significance of lived experience in driving positive change, the budget has also earmarked funding to train and support the development of the lived experience workforce in Tasmania. This investment underscores the government’s recognition of the invaluable expertise and perspective that individuals with lived experience bring to the mental health and AOD sectors. We look forward to working with the Mental Health Council of Tasmania on this initiative, ensuring that any training that is developed involves a contemporary co-design process with the lived experience community.  This will ensure that the lived experience workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality support and care to those accessing services across the state.

The budget also extends funding to boost the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) lived experience consumer group. We extend our support to the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania (ATDC) and congratulate them on their relentless advocacy for the creation of an AOD consumer organisation.

Glen O’Keefe
CEO | mental health families & friends TASMANIA

Tash Smyth
CEO | Flourish Tasmania