disability

Powerpoint presentation delivered by Ms Cate McKenzie (Group Manager) and Ms Jill Farrelly (Branch Manager), Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs as part of the May 2012 PH aMs Employment and Mental Health Consultation Workshop.

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 Mental Health Council of Australia has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s final report into Disability Care and Support and applauds the inclusion of those experiencing disability caused by mental illness within the final scope of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. “The Productivity Commission’s final report recognises the right of people with psychosocial disability to receive the same disability support as people with any other kind of disability”, said Mr Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

The Mental Health Council of Australia has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s final report into Disability Care and Support and applauds the inclusion of those experiencing disability caused by mental illness within the final scope of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. “The Productivity Commission’s final report recognises the right of people with psycho-social disability to receive the same disability support as people with any other kind of disability”, said Mr Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that anxiety and depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability in young Australians.

A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that anxiety and depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability in young Australians.

The MHCA strongly supports Australia ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . We are pleased that a number of articles explicitly refer to mental illness. However, there are areas that could be strengthened, particularly discrimination on the basis of disability. Freedom from cruel or inhuman treatment and protecting the integrity of the person are key mental health consumer issues and need greater attention within the mental health sector. Employment and housing support are essential areas of focus to ensure people with mental illness-related disability are encouraged to fully participate as members of their community.