Dr. Walker questions the Mental Health Commission's decision regarding Listening Lounge funding. Minister clarifies that funding isn't cut, but restructured through CoMHWA.

⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 396Legislative Council
Asked
13 May 2026
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

Mental health—Listening Lounge program396.Hon Dr Brian Walkerto the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Mental Health:I refer the minister
to the recent frankly inexplicable decision taken by the Mental Health
Commission of WA not to renew funding for the Listening Lounge, a respected peer-based
support group based in Cloverdale and currently delivering services across Kelmscott,
Joondalup, Leederville, Midland, East Fremantle and Baldivis. Given that the Cook
Labor government has previously championed the role of lived experience in
mental health services, I ask the following.(1) Can the minister please provide a
transparent account of the criteria relied upon to withdraw funding from this
program?(2) Can she suggest any other funding
avenues available to this community-based mental health lifeline?(3) Will she support an urgent review of
this decision well in advance of the 30 June 2026 deadline, after which
the present funding arrangements are scheduled to cease and, if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more