Mental Health Australia welcomes National Agreement on Closing the Gap

Mental Health Australia has today welcomed the Government’s announcement and release of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley says the new target areas will go a long way to increasing the focus on some of the social determinants that support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The clear focus on ‘16 national socio-economic targets that will track progress in improving life outcome’ is pleasing,” said Dr Beagley.

“For a long time now, as part of our Charter 2020: Time to Fix Mental Health, we have been advocating to fund Indigenous mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention according to need.”

“To do this, we believe that dedicated strategic responses and services need to be co-designed and co-implemented with Indigenous leaders, mental health consumers and communities.”

“This should be guided by the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2013, and the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration.”

“Today’s announcement and focus on these areas, including targets around justice, out of home care, reducing Indigenous suicide rates, reducing violence against women and children, language preservation, housing and land rights is an important next step to improving the mental health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

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Media Contact: Lach Searle – 0488 076 088
Lachlan.Searle@mhaustralia.org