Over 100 organisations unify to launch Charter 2020 on mental health

Over 100 organisations unify to launch Charter 2020 on mental health

Today 108 organisations in the mental health and suicide prevention sectors have unified to launch Charter 2020 on mental health.

The Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for much-needed reform in the mental health sector, with the Commission set to release its Draft Report on 31 October.

In addition, the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Minister for Health have all spoken about their deep personal commitment to reducing suicide and improving Australia’s mental health.

Key stakeholders from within the mental health and suicide prevention sectors are meeting this morning at Parliament House to launch Charter 2020 – a key set of agreed principles the sectors have declared as crucial to improving Australia’s mental health system.

Charter 2020 outlines the need for a national agreement for mental health, person-led care, addressing the social determinants of health, investing in prevention and early intervention, Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing, integration of support, expanding community based mental health care, supporting the workforce and building the evidence base and accountability.

“The display of unity within the sector is really quite incredible. Over 100 organisations have signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister in support of Charter 2020. There is an overwhelming consensus with the Charter 2020 principles providing Government a lens through which to view the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report,” said Mental Health Australia’s Acting CEO Melanie Cantwell.

“The sector stands ready to support Government to seize this opportunity to improve Australia’s mental health. Our Charter 2020 will support consideration of any reforms proposed in the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report.”

The Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health will release its Draft Report on 31 October 2019. Mental Health Australia will release a snapshot summary of the Draft Report within 24 hours of its release, with a detailed analysis to follow a week later.

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Media Contact: Lach Searle – 0488 076 088