Children and young people are "screaming out" for mental health support, says Independent Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie, and a school chaplaincy program is not enough.
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Ms Lambie's comments come in response to the federal government's recent announcement that it would invest $247 million over four years (2019-2022) to renew the National School Chaplaincy Program.
The funding is designed to allow about 3000 schools across the nation to access the services of a qualified chaplain.
In an opinion piece for The Advocate newspaper, Ms Lambie highlighted a need for trained pschologists to support students, particularly those in rural and regional areas.
"Chaplains do a good job," Ms Lambie wrote .
"But chaplains aren't trained psychologists, and our kids need help from mental health professionals."
Labor Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart said Labor - when last in government - had ensured the program had the option to choose a professionally qualified, non-religious welfare worker to undertake a role in supporting the social and emotional well-being of students.
It is very important that school students have easy access to psychological support and counselling at all times but particularly amid the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.
She said the program was not a substitute for properly funding schools.
"The Liberals have been starving public schools of funding for years, which means Australian schoolkids are missing out on the support they deserve," she said.
A Tasmanian Department of Education spokesperson said Tasmania would receive a total of $6.6 million over the three years for the program.
"Ninety-three Tasmanian government schools will receive funding for a school chaplain under the Program," they said.
The spokesperson said school chaplains were one of a number of support systems that contributed to the well-being of students and schools.
"The Department of Education is employing record numbers of professional support staff to assist students with wellbeing, participation and engagement, learning, and also to support schools in managing and responding to critical incidents," they said.
"The Department also employs School Health Nurses to support the health and wellbeing of our students."
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck was contacted for comment.
