Butterfly applauds bipartisan commitment to funding for eating disorder services in Western Australia
Labor and Liberal parties in WA announce funding packages for eating disorders in the lead up to the Western Australia election.
Butterfly applauds the bipartisan announcement of funding for increased eating disorder services in WA and urges politicians to remain steadfast to their commitments irrespective of the upcoming election results.
The Labor Party has committed $5 million towards planning and development of partnerships for a residential recovery centre, which is a critical step in providing much needed local treatment, as part of a $48.5 million commitment towards additional mental health funding. The Liberal party has also committed $13.5 million towards the establishment of a 12-bed residential eating disorder treatment facility as part of a broader eating disorder package totalling $33.5 million, highlighting community demand for funding for eating disorders.
It’s welcome news for the 119,000 West Australians living with an eating disorder. These severe and complex conditions have the highest morality rate of any mental illness, says Butterfly CEO Dr Jim Hungerford.
“For too long people living in WA have been calling out for increased support for eating disorders. With less than one in three people with eating disorders accessing the help they need, we are hopeful this funding will pave the way for more support and allow people to access individualised, intensive care in their home state.”
“Regardless of who wins this election, it’s essential that increased investment into eating disorder treatment, prevention and support is on the agenda to stop this growing crisis,” said Mr Hungerford.
In 2024, an estimated 1,900 people from WA contacted the Butterfly National Helpline for support with eating disorders.
Residential eating disorder facilities play an important role in the eating disorder system of care and can assist in true recovery, stopping the ‘revolving door’ of hospital admissions through concentrated, person-centred treatment delivered in a home like environment.
The concept has been proven to improve outcomes for people living with eating disorders and those that care for them. Participants at Australia’s first residential recovery centre, Wandi Nerida, located on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and owned and operated by Butterfly since 2021, reported a 60% reduction in eating disorder symptoms and behaviours and improved mental health related quality of life.
Sophie, who sought treatment at Wandi Nerida after struggling to access ongoing care in Perth, says increased funding offers a “beacon of light” for those struggling to see the possibility of eating disorder recovery.
“In an under-resourced and overburdened system, our existing treatments are not able to provide the personalised care needed to adequately address eating disorders,” said Sophie.
“I wish an option like Wandi Nerida had been available earlier in my journey, and I’m excited by the thought that others will have the chance at hope and healing that a residential facility will provide, without leaving Western Australia.”
Butterfly looks forward to working with the government to provide our insights and learnings from Wandi Nerida to help make recovery a reality for West Australians with eating disorders.
-ENDS-
Media contact
Zoe Bradbury – Butterfly Communications Manager
Ph: 0400 585 855
E: zoe.bradbury@butterfly.org.au
About Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, prevention and early intervention programs, and by advocating for the needs of our community.
Editor and producers note:
Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media Guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders. Please include the following helpline message.
Help and Support
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
- Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
- Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
- For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
