In this submission the MHCA reiterates the outcomes of its consultations with consumer and carer representatives, which the Council does not believe were reflected in the subsequent Draft Roadmap. In particular, the MHCA found that the Draft Roadmap does not make reference to any specific goals, targets, funding commitments or specific measurements that would indicate what the Australian mental health system will look in 10 years time, and how it will make progress from where it is now.

This submission highlights the specific challenges faced by people with experience of mental illness in applying for, or making claims against insurance policies, in particular those where they relate to the private health insurance sector.

The MHCA focus for this submission is on Cabinet’s proposal to become the decision-making body for approving all Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listings. The MHCA makes a number of recommendations to ensure that a high level of equity, accountability and transparency is maintained in Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee processes.

The MHCA strongly supports the development of a social insurance scheme for disability long term care and support in Australia and congratulates the Productivity Commission and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs for tackling such an important and timely task. Effective long term disability support is necessary to meet Australia’s obligations under the United Nation’s Convention on Rights for Persons with a Disability and, most importantly, to rectify the grave and unnecessary injustices faced daily by people with a disability in Australia.