Coalition's further support for mental health

The Coalition has announced initiatives to provide further support to the millions of Australians who suffer from mental illness, said the Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke.

Mr Hawke said the extra $430 million that a Coalition Government would invest in mental health, is in addition to the $1.5 billion Real Action Plan for Mental Health taken to the 2010 election.

“Mental illness is estimated to comprise thirteen percent of the total burden of disease in Australia but generates just six percent of total health spending,” Mr Hawke said.

“In any one year twenty percent of the population is thought to have a significant episode of mental ill health, but only about one third seek professional treatment.”

Mr Hawke said the additional investment in mental health consists of:

·         $180 million to improve existing employment services for people with serious mental health problems.

·         $150 million to boost outside services by job agencies could deploy for interventions on behalf of their clients.

·         $40 million to establish a National Mental Health Research Centre. It would conduct high quality academic research and related activities to increase the effectiveness of treatment and other intervention responses to mental illness.

·         $20 million to establish a National Mental Health Workforce Training Institute. Its role would include improving the quality and take-up of mental health education and training, provide practical workplace training and to engage in course development and accreditation.

·         $40 million for a National Mental Health Commission to provide expert advice to the Minister for Mental Health to champion mental health issues and improve outcomes for patients within government. A Commission will strengthen the accountability of government for the delivery of better mental health services.   

“The Coalition and the Opposition Leader, the Hon Tony Abbott, has a long established record on mental health, with the $1.9 billion investment back in 2006 when Mr Abbott was the Health Minister. This was the largest single investment in mental health in Australia’s history,” Mr Hawke said.

“The Gillard Government has made hollow promises about mental health and ignored it in the COAG health reforms announced in February. The Coalition will deliver much-needed funds to mental health.”