Mental health blitz
Ashley Gardiner
October 12, 2006 12:00am
TED Baillieu will spend $226 million on tackling mental health problems if he becomes premier.
Mr Baillieu said a Liberal government would focus on helping people when they first became ill.
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"Mental illness can no longer remain a hidden disease, an affliction compounded by social stigma," Mr Baillieu said.
Illicit drug use was contributing to the mental illness problem among young people, he said.
"There is no such thing as a recreational drug. No such thing as a social drug. The terms should be cast aside," Mr Baillieu said.
"These drugs are destructive; these drugs are illicit.
"Any doubt about the link between destructive drugs and the frying of brains in my view is long gone."
Mr Baillieu foreshadowed more announcements on illicit drugs closer to the November 25 election.
"Victorians are looking for the application of full penalties when it comes to the peddling of drugs," Mr Baillieu said.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Liberal policy would be paid for by money set aside for the hospitals in the future.
"This money is not Ted Baillieu's to spend. It is needed to treat the tens of thousands of extra patients we know will be seeking treatment in our public hospitals over the coming years," Ms Pike said.
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