Mental Health Report - A Way Forward

Catholic Welfare Australia’s Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said today the Senate Select Committee’s Report on Mental Health, A National Approach to Mental Health – From Crisis to Community, is a comprehensive and long overdue first step towards addressing Australia’s mentalhealth crisis.

Mr Quinlan said the Committee’s recommendations highlight the plight of some of the most marginalised people in the community, many of whom don’t have access to appropriate housing, income support or employment opportunities.

“Every day our member agencies see people with mental health problems in crisis. Their plight is often made worse by the lack of appropriately targeted and resourced government support services,” Mr Quinlan said.

“The Report’s recommendations provide a solid foundation for the Council of Australian Government’s ongoing mental health action plan.

“Calls for substantial increases in mental health funding and the call for community-based mental health centres are certainly welcome.

“Access to appropriate housing, employment, income support and training must be central to a response to the current crisis. These most basic needs must be met if people facing mental health problems are to participate more fully in society.

“Catholic Welfare Australia endorses the Report’s recommendations for a real increase in job support and for tax incentives for businesses employing people with mental illness.

“We also acknowledge the importance of more funding for the homelessness program, SAAP, and the need for dedicated funding within that program for people with complex needs including dual diagnosis.

“We look forward to the more detailed recommendations in the Committee’s next report and hope that CoAG will reflect the Committee’s commitment to community consultation in its deliberations in the coming months,” Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Welfare Australia provides social services to over one million people in Australia each year.

30 March 2006

CONTACT: Judith Tokley 0408 824 306 / 02 6285 1366