A Motion to establish a select committee to inquire and report on the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact on the mental health of South Australians has been introduced into State parliament in November by Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP. 

“One of the major impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been on mental health, particularly for those living in rural and regional areas, where in some instances they have become even more isolated,” Mr Brock said. 

“It is important to look at ways we can help build good mental health habits which improve resilience for all at-risk groups,” Mr Brock said. 

“According to The Lancet, one of the world’s premier medical journals, in its November editorial, there is now mounting evidence that the pandemic is having a monumental impact with ‘effects on mental health and wellbeing of populations worldwide’.” 

Mr Brock’s motion asks for a select committee inquiry and report with regard to the impacts of social isolation on mental health and wellbeing, the stress and anxiety caused by the sense of uncertainty and disruption to daily life. 

He also asked for the inquiry to include investigation into the impacts on vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians, including implications for models of care and social support. 

“This is an extremely important motion to the wellbeing of all South Australians. If a select committee is established it will need to look at impacts of job losses, business closures and the effects of economic recession on mental health and wellbeing as well as the rates of suicide, self-harm and substance abuse in the context of the pandemic and implications for policy, programs and service delivery.” 

Mr Brock is hoping the government and his Parliamentary colleagues will support the Motion for Inquiry into the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of South Australians and the consequent issues.   

“The Pandemic has not gone away, and the mental health consequences will not disappear for a very long time. We need to safeguard our communities as much as possible and, recognise the long-term mental health impacts this extraordinary event has caused and will continue to cause.” 

To provide Parliament with sufficient time to consider this important motion, Mr Brock has requested an adjournment to further discussion and a vote until 3 December 2020.