THE HON MARK BUTLER MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
MEDIA RELEASE
MINISTER LAUNCHES PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT WEB PORTAL
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler launched a new web portal,
designed to assist health professionals to provide psychosocial support in disasters,
in Sydney last night.
The web portal will assist in the areas of preparation, support, and recovery for
individuals and communities affected by disaster, like the Black Saturday bushfires.
“On that tragic day, 173 Australians lost their lives, and many more were affected by
post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders,” Mr Butler said.
“We know that the ongoing emotional effects of disaster experience can include
anxiety, distress, insomnia, depression and a range of other conditions detrimental to
positive mental health.
“One of our highest priorities, as a Government and as a community, is to protect
people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.”
The Psychosocial Support in Disasters web portal will act as a central access point
to vital information, helping those in disaster-prone areas to prepare psychologically,
providing practical support during the emergency, and providing social, emotional
and psychological support during the recovery period.
“As Australia heads into the bushfire season, the launch of the Psychosocial Support
in Disasters web portal is both relevant and timely,” Mr Butler said.
The web portal is a joint initiative of the Australian Psychological Society, the
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Occupational Therapy Australia,
the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, the Australian
Association of Social Workers, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
and General Practice Victoria.
13 October 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Samantha Regione 0418 112 688
NEWS 
