Corryong Health seeking long-term funding agreements

Primary mental health services are funded by the Commonwealth through the Murray Primary Health Network.

Chief executive Dominic Sandilands said there was "known demand", so long-term funding would better enable staff recruitment and services delivery.

"Corryong Health will still underwrite mental health services, but without that funding certainty, which we don't have after the 30th of June, we're at risk of taking money from other parts of the system," he said.

"We need investment ... to fund mental health services into the future with multi-year contracts."

Mr Sandilands hopes a three-year agreement for $295,000 annually can be secured.

"Often, we're going into the next financial year still negotiating," he said.

"This was inadequate before the fires, and since the fires, it's even more essential ... the service need is increased."

The health service will use $337,000 for mental health support outlined by Senator Jane Hume yesterday for a suicide prevention plan.

"We're very grateful that the funding has come, it's critical money, and it ensures that we can respond to the trauma response needs in the community," Mr Sandilands said.

Senator Hume said the $337,000 was "in addition to the $447,000 announced at the beginning of last year" by Health Minister Greg Hunt.

"Since then, he's maintained contact with Corryong Health, and they've told him that the need is still great because those scars still run deep," she said.

"That's why we've come back today to announce an additional $337,000 for Corryong Health."

However, Indi MP Helen Haines said the $337,000 was the balance of funding being "re-announced" by Senator Hume.

"I was there beside Minister Hunt back in January 2020 and I heard that promise (of $500,000)," Dr Haines said.

"While $162,000 was delivered, the outstanding $337,000 never reached Corryong.

"I had a long conversation with Minister Hunt's office yesterday, and we agreed that that money had not been delivered and would be delivered."

Dr Haines said "it shouldn't take 15 months to deliver on a promise".

"If Senator Hume would like to make a new announcement, this would be the one I would encourage her to make - an ongoing commitment to Corryong Health of $295,000 a year," she said.

A Morrison Government spokesperson said the Murray PHN had so far supported Corryong Health to deliver various mental health initiatives, including dedicated bushfire recovery activities, through the provision of $447,055 over the 2019/2020-2021/2022 period.

"Today's announcement builds on this, setting aside a further $337,305 specifically for Corryong Health," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Senator Hume said the Morrison government had delivered its commitment and funding directed to Corryong Health totals $784,360.

"Any delays in the delivery of funds from the Murray Primary Health Network to Corryong Health are a question for the Murray Primary Health Network," she said.

"It is very unfortunate that the independent member has not once picked up the phone to discuss this important issue with me."