Every primary school student deserves to feel safe and supported at school.

That’s why Labor is making the biggest investment in student mental health in our history.

More than 500 non-government schools across the state are now funded to have a staff member dedicated to student mental health, including St Dominic's Primary School, Muhammadiyah Australia College, Al Iman College, St Anthony's Primary School and St Catherine's School right here in Melton.

The $200 million Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative has finished its four-year rollout.

1,396 public primary and 501 low-fee non-government schools, including 402 Catholic schools, have now joined.

Mental health leaders drive school-wide strategies and connect children to specialist support when needed.

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute said the program makes phenomenal progress in student mental health.

The Institute found the program improved the mental health of students in 80 per cent of participating schools.  
 It also improved emotional literacy, gave students confidence to        seek help and improved attendance.

Labor is promoting positive mental health for students at more schools across Victoria, at no cost to families.

When Jess Wilson’s Liberals were last in power, they cut psychologists and social workers from public schools.

They also cut $1 billion from education and now have a plan for $40 billion in cuts.

They have cut before and Victorians know they will cut again.

For further information, go to education.vic.gov.au/pal/mental-health-schools/policy 

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll 

“As parents we do everything we can for our children, but we aren’t mental health professionals – that’s why Labor is embedding mental health support for kids in our schools.”  

“Our investment in student mental health is the biggest in Australia’s history, promoting children’s positive mental health in school and in life.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Only Labor is funding schools like St Dominic's Primary School, Muhammadiyah Australia College, Al Iman College, St Anthony's Primary School and St Catherine's School here in Melton to look after the mental health of our littlest learners.”