Coalition Pledges Youth Mental Health Focus and Hospital Overhaul

The Coalition has vowed to increase investment in youth mental health if elected to government in Victoria, as part of a series of health-related promises. Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy stated that, despite the state's mental health royal commission five years ago, many individuals are still waiting too long or "reaching crisis point" before receiving necessary care.

Youth Mental Health Facility and Review

If elected, the Coalition will commission an independent review of the implementation of the royal commission's recommendations. "Our mental health reset is about fixing those fundamental problems — finding out what has and hasn't been delivered, where the money has gone," Ms Kealy said. "We want Victoria to lead the world in youth mental health care."

The Coalition also plans to invest $5 million in creating a new, standalone youth mental health facility at Parkville. This facility will feature up to 50 specialist inpatient beds for individuals aged 12 to 25, along with prevention and recovery care.

Hospital Overcrowding and Transit Lounges

Additionally, the Coalition has proposed moving patients who are ready to leave hospital but are waiting on medication, transport, or other discharge arrangements to a dedicated area, rather than keeping them in the emergency department. Liberal leader Jess Wilson explained that new or larger transit lounges will be prioritized for hospitals with the most severe ambulance ramping issues.

"Victorians shouldn't be stuck waiting for hours in an emergency department because a hospital bed is being occupied by someone who is ready to go home," Ms Wilson said. "This will improve the flow of patients through our hospitals and help reduce ambulance ramping which has become out of control under this Labor government."

Reaction and Criticism

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt dismissed the Liberals' announcement, claiming it would not create more capacity for patients. "All the Liberals have announced is they won't deliver a single nurse or open a single bed in our public hospitals," Ms Stitt said.

Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier argued that, after years of mismanagement under Labor, emergency departments are stretched beyond capacity, and the pressure on doctors, nurses, and paramedics is unsustainable.