Media Releases

Recognition and Respect: Mental Health Carers Report 2012 was officially launched on 28 November 2012 today by the Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers and Jackie Crowe, National Mental Health Commissioner, at Parliament House. The report, commissioned by the Mental Health Council of Australia, provides an insight into the lives of some of the most dedicated yet vulnerable members of our community: people who regularly care for someone with a mental illness.

The Mental Health Council of Australia has welcomed the release of Australia’s first National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. “The National Report Card gives us a snapshot of where Australia currently is and takes a whole-of-life approach, looking at physical health, employment, relationships, education, housing and homelessness, community participation, family and child support and justice. This shows us that we’ve come a long way over the last 20 or so years, but we still have a long way to go”, said Mr Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

One- in- five people will experience mental illness this year. It’s an astounding statistic but one that for too long has not made headlines. Mental illness is more common than you think and it touches people of all ages and from all walks of life. However it’s a subject that is too often hidden or stigmatised due to shame or embarrassment. As a result, many thousands of people are left feeling isolated and alone. This is what the Mental Health Council of Australia will address in its national campaign for World Mental Health Day 2012.

The inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Non-Government Organisations ( CONGO ) saw members of the sector discussing issues and challenges experienced by those designing and delivering mental health policy and services. “The inaugural meeting of CONGO is the first gathering of a collaboration that we hope will soon become recognised by governments around the country as a highly influential and vocal advocacy group for the mental health sector”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.