The Australian Government's response to "Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities" was released on 26 November 2015.
At a press conference at Parliament House, Canberra the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Hon Sussan Ley (Minister for Health, Minister for Aged Care, Minister for Sport) announced the Government’s response to the Commission's 2014 review of mental health programmes and services. Commission Chair, Professor Allan Fels and Commissioner Professor Ian Hickie represented the Commission at this important development in Australian mental health reform.
The National Mental Health Commission welcomes the announcement on mental health reform as "a major step forward in enabling people to lead more contributing lives and for Australia to grow thriving communities."
Swedish Public Health Minister’s Visit
As part of his visit to Australia to discuss issues including health and medical care, Swedish Minister for Health Care, Public Health and Sport Mr Gabriel Wikström visited the Commission Office in Sydney to exchange experiences with the Commission and learn more about how Australia is working towards better mental health outcomes for Australians. Issues discussed included common topics between Australia and Sweden such as workplace mental health, peer workforce and suicide prevention.
QLD Mental Health and Wellbeing Status
Queensland Mental Health Commission released it's first ever report on the state's mental health and wellbeing: Queensland Mental Health Commission’s 2015 Performance Indicators report.
The report identified a slightly higher proportion of Queenslanders (18.7%) reported experiencing a mental health condition than the national percentage (18.2%) in 2014.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
From all of the Commissioners and staff of the National Mental Health Commission we thank you for your interest, support and participation in our work throughout 2015 and look forward to working together in 2016. All the very best for a safe and festive Holiday Season.
