early intervention

The Mental Health Council of Australia ( MHCA ) welcomes the announcement of a $1.5 billion commitment to mental health by the federal Liberal Party. The Liberal opposition has committed to a massive increase in mental health funding, including funding an additional 60 headspace youth mental health centres, 20 new Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centres and 800 acute and sub-acute early intervention beds.

A group of leading national prevention and community health organisations led by the Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry, is calling on the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers to include fundamental principles on prevention, mental and Indigenous health at next week’s Council of Australian Governments meeting. “Unless we see reforms in these areas we will not reduce Australia’s dependence on hospital based care”, Professor McGorry said.

This submission has been prepared by a group of leading national organisations involved in every aspect of suicide prevention. It represents a comprehensive analysis of the issues set out in the Inquiry’s terms of reference and presents practical ways to reduce the terrible toll on the Australian community from suicide and suicidal behaviour.