Fact Sheets

The Government’s commitments in mental health were made clear a few weeks ago when they released the National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Programs and Services – indicating that they would establish an Expert Reference Group and enter into negotiations with the states and territories to develop the 5th National Mental Health Plan. While there are a couple of mental health-specific measures, along with some important initiatives to support youth employment there are few details about the long-term reform task confronting our sector. The National Mental Health Commission’s Review has no doubt impressed upon the Government the scale of the challenge – perhaps explaining why news of its substantive response to the Review’s recommendations must await another day. Budget 2015 has come and gone, but the need for reform remains pressing. Read Mental Health Australia’s 2015 Federal Budget Summary here.

This fact sheet provides straightforward advice for service providers on how to help people to engage with the Royal Commission and tell their story, along with information on the importance of ensuring they are informed about complex trauma and its impacts.

Good mental health helps us to respond better to the stresses and challenges of daily life. This fact sheet looks at some of the ways to more fully enjoy and appreciate the people and environment around us.

A landmark report released by the MHCA found strong associations between mental illness and cannabis, although this is not the same as a causal link. This fact sheet highlights some of the evidence.