Inquiry gives light to mental health

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the findings handed down by the parliamentary Mental Health Select Committee after several months of public consultation.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the government would review and consider the findings and recommendations into the Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.

“This report gives us an opportunity to better understand the needs and demand pressure of the state’s mental health system.

“The Inquiry addressed the current needs and impacts on the mental health service system in Queensland.

“It also provides an opportunity to improve integrated mental health services including alcohol and other drugs and suicide prevention.

“The care continuum is vital and allows us to better support all pillars of the system, such as prevention, crisis response, harm reduction, treatment and recovery.”

Minister D’Ath said the Inquiry emphasised the need for all sectors to work together to improve the lives of Queenslanders.

“We always knew it was not a matter of one sector leading, but all of them joining together to provide comprehensive and coordinated treatment and support for people in Queensland” Minister D’Ath said.

“The Inquiry demonstrated the need for integration of Commonwealth and State funded care, as well as other specialist and non-government services.

“We all have an opportunity to make a difference in the mental health space if we act together.”

Minister D’Ath said the results of the Inquiry were the combined effort of the Committee and key stakeholders.

“This was an enormous task which yielded widespread consultation from stakeholders, including Queenslanders with lived experience of mental health and their families and carers,” Minister D’Ath said.

“The Committee also heard from service providers and professionals working in the field, including representatives from Queensland Health.

“I am so grateful for the time and effort placed on this Inquiry; this is just the beginning of Queensland’s mental health journey.”

The Inquiry’s key recommendations can be viewed at: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2022/5722T743-64F1.pdf

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008