The profile of mental health will be lifted and treated in the same category as cancer and heart disease and will become ALP policy following the decision taken at the recent NSW State Labor Conference.
This follows a resolution from the Port Macquarie Branch of Country Labor and moved by Port Macquarie delegate, Colleen Carmody.
Mrs Carmody advised delegates that mental health in country areas of NSW is being neglected and should be one of the top priorities of NSW Labor as it is a major concern of under 25-year-olds, the homeless, those in prisons, those with alzheimers, alcoholics and the less fortunate in our society.
These groups do not currently have an advocate to promote mental wellness.
Port Macquarie Country Labor Branch sought the advice of the mental health unit, community health, Port Macquarie and from Lifeline in formulating this motion.
Seven members of the Branch attended the State Conference, including Narelle Rich, Carmel Perks, Carmel Power, Colleen Carmody, Dawn Farnham and Sandra Wilson.