Date Time
Significant investment in mental health welcomed
Federal investment of $2.3 billion into mental health and suicide prevention over four years has been welcomed by Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic.
“This is a significant and necessary investment into mental health reform by the Federal Government that is long overdue,” Mr Frkovic said.
“It starts to address the substantial economic cost of up to $70 billion a year for mental ill-health, as estimated by the Productivity Commission Inquiry,” he said.
The Commonwealth has confirmed its support in full, in part or in principle for all recommendations from the Productivity Commission and the Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser.
Mental Health Victoria
Wednesday 12 May 2021
Mental Health Victoria CEO Angus Clelland said last night’s Federal Budget announcement represents the “start of a long-overdue generational shift in mental health and suicide prevention investment”.
MHV welcomed last night’s announcement of a record $2.3 billion investment in mental health and suicide prevention over four years to 2025.
Stand-out budget initiatives included $820 million in commitments for the expansion of the fledgling national adult community mental health centre program, enhancement of headspace, and establishment of child mental health and wellbeing hubs.
“As long-time advocates for investment in accessible, multidisciplinary service hubs in the community, we are delighted that the Federal Government has prioritised this initiative. This investment, along with the expansion of digital mental health and suicide prevention services, will improve the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of
building a world-class Head to Health digital gateway for Australian dealing with mental health issues
ensuring our mental health and suicide prevention system reaches Australians where they work, learn and live
enhancing mental health in primary care
establishing a network of mental health centres for adults, young people and children through the Head to Health and headspace programs
building a system that is efficient, joined up, easy to navigate and people-focused
providing appropriate, ongoing follow-up care to every Australian discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt.
This $2.3 billion investment is the first phase of the response to the findings of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Report.
Date Time
Mental health and suicide prevention inquiry calling for input
A select committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, ‘While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything. Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress. In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation