Everymind welcomes Productivity Commission report into mental health

Everymind has welcomed release of the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health.

The Commission’s long-awaited report discusses key influences on people’s mental health, examines the effect of mental health on people’s ability to participate and prosper in the community and workplace, and implications more generally for the Australian economy and productivity.

The report recognises Australia’s current mental health system often fails to meet the needs of people experiencing mental ill-health and provides a series of recommendations for reform to improve mental health outcomes.

Everymind applauds the recommended reforms made by the Commission regarding: a focus on creating a person-centred mental health system; development of a national stigma reduction strategy; strengthening lived experience and carer participation in all aspects of the mental health system; and a focus on workplaces as a means to preventing mental ill-health, suicide and its impacts.

According to Everymind Acting Director, Associate Professor Carmel Loughland, the Productivity Commission’s report into mental health is a positive step towards improving Australia’s mental health system.

“This important work is pivotal in shaping mental health reform to meet the needs of all Australians, with a focus on prevention and early intervention,’ said Associate Professor Loughland.

“We welcome all efforts in creating a coordinated and comprehensive approach towards prevention of mental ill-health and improving wellbeing outcomes.

“Everymind looks forward to continuing to work with government and colleagues within the mental health sector to contribute to the response to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.”

Access the Productivity Commission’s full report and fact sheets via: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/mental-health/report