Three major reports point to need for long term reform

Three major reports released today have highlighted the need for systemic reform to address significant challenges in the current mental health system.

Mental Health Australia noted the reports coming from Monash University, the Brotherhood of Saint Laurance and the Butterfly Foundation all re-inforce the need for a ten-year strategy focused on the intersection between mental health and all aspects of society.

“These reports show how mental health and wellbeing is fundamentally tied to all aspects of a person’s life,” Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan said today.

“The only way we can truly reform the mental health system is by having a long-term plan that connects our mental wellbeing with housing, employment, education and physical health, to name a few.”

The Monash University study found that people living in disadvantaged areas of metropolitan cities, and in regional and remote areas were accessing less services even though they needed them the most.

The Brotherhood of Saint Laurence report found that impact of youth unemployment in Australia was significant, directly impacting young people’s emotional wellbeing.

The report by the Butterfly Foundation shows that by investing in optimal interventions for people with eating disorders, rather than sending them through the current system, significant savings can be made.

“In the face of these reports, we renew our call on government to release the National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Services and Programmes to allow consultation and planning, and to commit to ending funding uncertainty for mental health organisations who are delivering essential services across all these areas.”

 “The mental health sector is committed to reform and renewal, it’s time to get started” Mr Quinlan said.