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Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Individuals

Commonwealth mental health reforms—frequently asked questions


  1. Why do we need more mental health services?

    Based on a series of reports, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has identified serious shortfalls in existing services provided to people with a mental illness.

    In order to address this need, COAG has developed a National Action Plan on Mental Health that aims to reform the current system. This plan will provide the framework for collaboration and coordination between government, non-government and private service delivery agencies to develop a more connected system.

    The Australian Government and state and territory governments have provided funding and developed initiatives with measurable outcomes to reform Australia's mental health system.

    The National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 is available from the COAG website.

  2. What mental health measures will the Department deliver?

    The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs will deliver three of 19 mental health measures announced in the 2006-07 Budget:
    • $224.7 million over five years for over 650 respite care places, with a particular focus on elderly parents who live with and care for children (including adult children) who have a severe mental illness or an intellectual disability
    • $284.8 million over five years for approximately 900 Personal Helpers and Mentors to assist people who have a severe functional limitation resulting from a mental illness to better manage their daily activities and to access a range of appropriate services/supports when they need them and
    • $45.2 million over five years for funding for community groups and the non-government sector to deliver flexible projects to assist families, children and young people affected by mental illness.
    These measures form part of the COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011.

  3. What are the other mental health measures announced by the Australian Government in the 2006-07 Budget?

    There are a range of other mental health measures that form part of the Australian Government mental health package which will be delivered by the Department of Health and Ageing; and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

    Further information on these measures is available from the respective departmental websites.

    All departments are committed to working closely together to deliver coordinated services that address current shortfalls leading to better mental health outcomes for Australians.

  4. How will the Department and state and territory mental health programs work together?

    The Australian Government and state and territory governments will meet regularly to discuss the integration of services. Together, joint action will be coordinated to better support people with a mental illness to access services and improve outcomes.

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