New investments in mental health welcome
Mental Health Australia has welcomed today’s announcement that a re-elected Turnbull Government would make significant new investments in mental health.
“$192 million of new investment in mental health represents a welcome boost to programs and services,” said Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan.
“This kind of investment will save lives.”
“Australia faces major challenges in mental health and suicide prevention and the investments announced today will have a significant impact.”
“An independent National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) could also provide much needed accountability to a system undergoing unprecedented reform.”
Today’s announcements include the following measures:
- Independent status for the NMHC
- Implementation of the twelve suicide trial sites recommended by the NMHC Review
- A new $12 million suicide research fund
- Investment to support the further development of the Mental Health Digital Gateway
- An additional ten headspace centres
- Secure funding for Early Psychosis Centres until 2019
- Funding for Lifeline for “follow up text messaging”
- Funding for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses to explore “workforce issues”
Mental Health Australia has updated its report card detailing the mental health commitments from all three major parties contesting the forthcoming election.
“It is encouraging the leaders of the major parties have all made specific commitments to mental health during this election campaign,” said Mr Quinlan.
Regardless of who wins the 2 July election, the process of mental health reform will require a decade long commitment to improving mental health services and programs.
Mental Health Australia’s updated report card, along with each of the parties’ full responses, can be downloaded here – https://mhaustralia.org/election-2016
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