The Inspire Foundation has today joined more than 50 other mental health organisations in calling on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to renew its joint commitment to Australia’s mental health by setting real and measurable targets for National Mental Health Reform.
COAG announced it would commence work on a Ten-Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform in August 2011.
The organisations fear that without real and measurable targets, the promised Roadmap will fall well short of what the recent National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention suggests Australia needs to support what it calls “a contributing life” for those who experience mental illness.
Aram Hosie, Inspire’s Director of Research and Public Affairs says: “We have been encouraged by the increased priority and investment directed towards mental health by Australian governments in recent years. However without continued and sustained reform, more money alone may do little to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.”
The organisations outlined nine areas in which specific targets should be set, including: early intervention and prevention; timely access to necessary and effective services; suicide; levels of stigma and awareness; levels of social participation; and participation in education.
Mental Health Council of Australia Media Release and Open Letter to CAOG