Mr. Patrick Reilly:

It is a good question based in reality. Travellers have been highlighted, in particular in the context of social determinants. We know how important they are. Where people live can impact on their physical and mental health, education outcomes and employment. For example, Travellers have told me they are not interested in joining a gym or going to a football club because they are on a low income and are trying to survive week to week.

All of the Departments need to be in communication with each other. People under high levels of stress are trying to access appropriate accommodation and support for their children. The process seems to be long and people are looking for an immediate fix, but things do not happen that way because they are dealing with a person in a Department who tells them they need to go to another Department. We call for a whole-of-government approach.

Regarding mental health, the approach needs to be cross-departmental. As has been highlighted, when people present needing help, we have to unpack what is going on for them. We often hear the phrase, "The straw that broke the camel's back". The frequent mental distress people are experiencing triggers that.