MHCA welcomes National Report Card, November 2012

The Mental Health Council of Australia has welcomed the release of Australia’s first National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

“The National Report Card gives us a snapshot of where Australia currently is and takes a whole-of-life approach, looking at physical health, employment, relationships, education, housing and homelessness, community participation, family and child support and justice. This shows us that we’ve come a long way over the last 20 or so years, but we still have a long way to go”, said Mr Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

“The Commissioners are to be congratulated on drawing together such a diverse range of information, and for giving life to the experience of mental health consumers and carers”, said Mr Quinlan.

“However, we need to build on the recommendations from this National Report Card. This document can’t turn into another false dawn, where there is a lot of talk but very little action. It’s time for us to agree to national targets for mental health and to achieve them”, Mr Quinlan said.

Media Contact: Frank Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer - 02 6285 3100 or 0409 655 460

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