Bell signals parliamentary intentions for 2021

Thursday January 07, 2021

Media Release published by The Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell

The establishment of TAFE Regional Boards, adoption and funding for Endometriosis and mental health are some of the issues that the Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has signalled his intention to raise in parliament in 2021.

The Independent MP put forward six motions in State Parliament on Tuesday indicating his intention to speak on a number of broad ranging issues in Parliament in 2021.

The first motion scheduled calls on the State Government to implement and fund a five-year strategic plan to improve regional mental health services.

“One of our biggest post-pandemic challenges will be the mental health and wellbeing of South Australians and the continuing mental health impacts on our cross-border community members,” said Mr Bell.

“There needs to be retention and recruitment strategies for mental health workers in regional centres and I will be calling for a strong focus on future planning and funding commitments for the mental health sector.”

Mr Bell has also introduced a four-part motion calling on the State Government to remove jurisdiction and legislative barriers to the production and supply of medical cannabis and cannabinoid drugs. 

It is anticipated that the cannabis industry is expected to net $1b within Australia by 2025. 

“Our region should be exploring opportunities to be part of this growing sector and attracting related industries to the Limestone Coast.

“It was very disappointing that I had to postpone the medicinal cannabis forum scheduled for May this year,” said Mr Bell.

“There continues to be a large amount of interest shown for the forum to be held and my office remains committed in holding it in 2021.

The Independent MP has also called for the establishment of regional TAFE Boards.  In a three-part motion Mr Bell is calling for regional TAFE Boards to be held accountable and responsive to the communities in which they operate.

 

“Each regional community has its unique training requirements to cater for industries that exist within its area.

“Decisions are being made in Adelaide to cut courses forcing our young tradespeople to travel hundreds of kilometres to complete their training.

“Due to Covid-19 many courses shifted to an online platform and there are grave concerns that these courses will not be returned to a class-based environment.

The Independent MP will also be calling for additional funding for research and treatment options for women with Endometriosis.

“Endometriosis can be such a debilitating condition with around 10% of women currently experiencing the effects of it at some stage in their lives.

“Not only do women incur substantial medical costs in seeking treatment for endometriosis they often suffer a loss of income due to not being able to work or having to work reduced hours.