Chambers lobby to keep critical clinicians

THREE regional Victorian chambers of commerce have united to oppose a State Government decision to withdraw the funding of their offices’ mental health worker.

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said the organisation’s in-house clinician has been supporting member businesses for free since 2020 and remains essential to the community.

“For many businesses, it’s tougher out there now than it was during the pandemic,” she said.

“We are not recovered, and without these clinicians, our businesspeople won’t have any support, it’s as simple as that.

“Most psychologists have closed books, and the ones that do have openings don’t have available appointments for two or three months, and that’s if you can afford it.

“Most of the medium businesses can’t.”

According to Commerce Ballarat, 22 per cent of small businesspeople have been professionally diagnosed with mental ill-health recently.

Between 30 and 40 per cent of workers in the manufacturing, retail, and construction industries, and accommodation and food services, reported that they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

About 48 per cent of small business owners prefer face-to-face help, and 54 per cent of small business owners aren’t seeking assistance due to the cost of visiting a psychologist, and waiting periods.

Ms Gillett has co-written a letter with Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford, and Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert, seeking to lobby local governments, State ministers and shadow ministers on the decision to cut funding for the program.

“Whilst the State Government clearly needs to manage a growing level of debt, our regional business chambers believe these programs are critical for what is a modest government spend,” the letter said.

Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman has advised the chambers that she has read the correspondence and will look to address their concerns.