Australians for Mental Health is urging the federal government to act after the Productivity Commission's final report into the National Mental Health Agreement found it was failing.
The final report, which was delivered to the government in October but published this week, found the mental health and suicide prevention system was out of reach for many Australians.
The report called for the agreement to be completely rewritten and called for an immediate solution to the half-a-million Australians who could not access specialist support because it was only available within the NDIS system.
"This country is facing a mental health crisis, and our landmark agreement signed by the federal, state and territory governments is failing. It's time for a new approach, one that puts the wellbeing of all Australians at the centre of every government decision," Australians for Mental Health Executive Director Chris Gambian said.
"Our mental health system remains fragmented, under-resourced, and out of step with the everyday needs of Australians despite report after report warning how dire things are. We know more and more Australians are feeling lonely and young people are increasingly seeking out mental health support. We need structural reform to address these issues," Chris Gambian said.
Australians for Mental Health has been consistently calling on the government to take bold action, including:
Establishing a Wellbeing Act to put the issue at the centre of all legislation
Set up a new Office of Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Appoint an independent Mental Health & Wellbeing Commissioner within the Human Rights Commission
"If we better support systems and structures in place that promote mental health in all areas of life, from housing, to education, and community connection, we will have a happier and healthier Australia. It's good for people, and for our economy too.
"Mental health is incredibly costly. It's worth investing in bold reforms so that we can finally turn the tide on the mental health crisis. The national agreement is set to expire next year so now is the perfect time for governments to consider what experts in this space keep telling them; that our system is fractured, and it needs to be rebuilt," Chris Gambian said.
