By Molly Magennis
Residents in Gellibrand are most concerned about mental health, a new report from the Salvation Army has revealed.
The Salvation Army’s National Social Justice Stocktake Report surveyed more than 15,000 people from across the country to find out what social justice issues were impacting them the most.
Of those who live in the federal electorate of Gellibrand, which covers suburbs in the Hobsons Bay area, as well as parts of Maribyrnong and Wyndham, 52 per cent of respondents identified mental health as one of the top issues in their community, which was slightly lower than the national average.
According to the report, 27 per cent of people in Victoria experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress compared to the rest of Australia (18 per cent).
Hobsons Bay Mayor Peter Hemphill said council is well aware that mental health continues to be an issue of concern in the community, particularly with younger residents.
“[This] is why we are advocating to the state and federal governments for additional youth mental health support in Hobsons Bay,” he said.
“Psychological distress in young people is significantly higher in Hobsons Bay than in Western Melbourne and Victoria overall. Girls and women aged 15-24 are at the highest risk of requiring hospitalisation for mental health issues,” he said.
Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said mental health cannot be treated without addressing other issues such as housing, alcohol, drug addiction and employment.
“In the lead-up to the Federal election we’re calling on all parties to invest further in community-based health services, which provide a one-stop-shop for integrated physical health, mental health and social support,” he said.
Concerns around family violence also ranked highly in Gellibrand, with 42.2 per cent of respondents identifying it as a major issue. This was higher than the national results (35.4 per cent).
The report cites statistics from the Victorian Magistrates Court which show that in 2019-20, there were 544 affected family members that relate to family violence intervention orders living in Hobsons Bay.
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said an Albanese government would legislate ten days paid family and domestic violence leave.
“Labor believes women experiencing family violence should not have to choose between leaving a violent relationship and keeping their job,” he said.
“An Albanese Labor government will provide the national leadership and investment needed to end family, domestic and sexual violence,” he said.
The federal electorate of Fraser, which includes some suburbs in the local government area of Maribyrnong, rated housing affordability as its number one social justice concern.
