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Giant steps towards building the mental wealth of the nation

Giant steps towards building the mental wealth of the nation

The National Mental Health Commission welcomes today’s Federal Government 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”.

The Government’s response is a ringing endorsement of the strategic directions outlined in Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities – the Commission’s national review of mental health programmes and services.

In today’s announcement, the Government has identified nine interconnected areas of reform that closely align with the recommendations put forward by the Commission.

It is widely supported that an overhaul of the system is long overdue, and certainly achievable. The sector is dedicated and wants to work collectively to make change happen.

We now have an opportunity to create a world-leading mental health system that will pay dividends for decades and generations to come

In Canberra today

National Mental Health Commission Chair Prof Allan Fels speaking at the Australian Government launch of mental health reforms at Parliament House with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag

Acknowledgement of Country

The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past present and emerging, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

Diversity

The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.