The NT Primary Health Care Network said the appointment of Lauren Moss as the Territory’s first Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister was a “landmark moment” in Territory health.

Network chief executive officer Gill Yearsley said the new portfolio would help to shine a light on what is an acute issue facing thousands of Territorians, with mental health conditions contributing 16.3 per cent of the burden of disease in the NT compared with 7.4 per cent nationally by mental illness and substance use disorders.

The new portfolio complemented the $14 million Head to Health adult mental health centre in Darwin, which opened late last year and is already seeing a high demand for services, Ms Yearsley said.

The NTPHN is a non-profit organization funded by the federal government to fill in areas of need in the health system.

“This is a landmark moment in Territory health,” she said.

“We welcome the NT Government’s decision to elevate the mental health of Territorians to a higher level of importance through the establishment of a dedicated portfolio and Minister in Lauren Moss.”

Ms Moss also has responsibility for the environment, climate change and, water security, equality and inclusion, and youth, end seniors.