Homes for Mentally Ill Flagged for Sale 
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Saturday 17 November 2007 The Iemma Government is letting down the people it promised to help, said Manly MP Mike Baird, as two more group homes for mentally ill patients on the Northern Beaches are flagged for sale. “These residents have been dealt many difficulties to face in life. The last thing they need is to be turfed out with nowhere to live,” Mr Baird said. Mr Baird told Parliament on Thursday that the Iemma Government pocketed almost $2 million in May from selling two group homes – Kalaui in North Balgowlah and Moondah in Seaforth – and now plans to sell Yindi and Karimar. “A local mental health worker has told my office the NSW Government plans to sell all its mental health accommodation and make tenants apply for a new home through the Department of Housing,” Mr Baird told Parliament. “People waiting for Department of Housing accommodation in Manly now wait for 12 years. What will happen to these people when their houses are sold and they have nowhere to live?” Mr Baird said it seemed like the sale was a grab for quick dollars to shore up the ailing health system. “The cynic in me asks whether these resources are being used to prop up the health budget.” Mr Baird called on the Government to fulfil its commitment to people with a mental illness, as outlined in its policy statement, ‘A New Direction for Mental Health’. “The Premier has pledged his Government would do more to help people with a mental illness. He stated, ‘People with a mental illness deserve a continuity of care and a more seamless delivery of services, and that is what we are committed to provide.’ “We hear lots of talk from the Iemma Government but sadly the action doesn’t follow,” Mr Baird said. “I call on the Premier to honour his commitment and withdraw plans to sell properties which are considered home to many vulnerable people.” MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880 Add to:          Write Comment
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