Funding will support sector transition, June 2013

The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) has today welcomed the injection of $440,000 from the Gillard Government to help build the capacity of the mental health sector to transition to DisabilityCare Australia.

“This money will assist the MHCA to assess the needs of people living with mental illness and their carers, as well as service providers and others in the mental health sector, in regards to DisabilityCare Australia,” MHCA CEO Frank Quinlan said today.

“Our sector, including consumers and carers, is going to need a lot of information and a new skill set to participate fully in this landmark reform.

“The MHCA will be using this funding to undertake a rigorous consultation process with consumers, carers, service providers and the broader sector.

“We want to help identify their priorities and needs, and ensure the tremendous opportunities that DisabilityCare Australia presents are maximized for people who experience psychosocial disability arising from mental illness.

“It’s really welcome news that Minister Jenny Macklin, her Department and the Gillard Government has acknowledged the role of the mental health sector in ensuring DisabilityCare Australia works in the most appropriate way for the people it has been designed to help.

“This is a big opportunity for the mental health sector and the MHCA now looks forward to using our extensive network to ensure good outcomes for people living with mental illness and their carers.”