AusGov Unveils Major Mental Health Reform, Greenlights ‘Tailored’ Services


The Federal Government this morning announced a round of sweeping changes to the way mental health is handled in Australia, and the moves are already gathering some serious praise from experts in the field. 

Malcolm Turnbull and Health Minister Sussan Ley revealed the paper, which comes after a scathing report on the “existing complexity, inefficiency and fragmentation of the mental health system” was issued earlier this year. 
 
Key points in today’s release include a move towards early interventions on possible mental health issues, and a “systematic and planned,
integrated and regional approach”
to suicide prevention.
Access to information will also be streamlined, with a “digital gateway” and singular phone line planned to replace the various access points available now.
The “stepped care” model is another focal point, with an increased focus on individual patient needs.
Turnbull said “nothing diminishes the mental wealth of our nation, nothing diminishes the human capital of our nation, and its capacity, more than mental illness.” 
Ley added that funding for mental health care would be shifted from a “one-size-fits-all” model to more flexible distribution, and that the moves should fix the “fragmented nature of the system.” The reforms are expected to draw from the existing $10 billion the Federal Government spends on mental health annually.
 

In a statement, outspoken BeyondBlue chairman Jeff Kennett was quick to praise the proposed reforms. 
He said the moves represent “exactly the kind of leadership we need to help the three million people who at any one time have
depression or anxiety, and the hundreds of people who attempt to take their lives or the seven who die by
suicide every day in Australia – and their families.”

Kennett also said the planned push to improve services and funding in regional areas reflected the demands of the community.
The reforms are scheduled to roll out from the new year through 2019. You can read the full report here.

via ABC.
If you need support or immediate assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, headspace or Sane Australia or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV