Wednesday, 9 September 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:28): What I would like to talk about today is that this week is Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week. We know that eating disorders are a serious mental health condition. We also know that people respond best when mental health support is provided early, giving people the support they need to recover, and that is why we have developed our Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024–2031 to guide our investments and supports that Victorians battling eating disorders and their families, carers and supporters rely on. On Monday Eating Disorders Victoria released their Eating Disorder Trends in Victoria 2026 report. I welcome the release of this report and its contribution to strengthening our understanding of eating disorders and the trends and experiences across Victoria. The report highlights the importance of continuing to improve access to timely and coordinated eating disorder treatment and support. It also reinforces the need for a statewide approach across prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery.

Bev McArthur: Are you providing it in prison?

Ingrid STITT: That is an extraordinary interjection, Mrs McArthur. The findings also underscore the importance of reforms and investments underway through the eating disorder strategy. The Carroll Labor government invested $31 million over three years in the Victorian budget to deliver vital, tailored eating disorder services, early intervention care and treatment options. The investment is making sure Victorians can get the care they need close to home, including a new day program at Barwon Health, the first of its kind in regional Victoria; new in-home, intensive early engagement and treatment programs at the Alfred and the Austin; 10 dedicated early intervention professionals through area mental health and wellbeing services; and, importantly, funding for Eating Disorders Victoria to continue their vital support of consumers and their families.