In 2018 the Productivity Commission launched an inquiry into mental health. The inquiry looked at the effect mental health can have in the community, and the impact it has on our economy and productivity.
The Commission called for public submissions on the issue earlier this year.
These submissions and issues papers have been reviewed and a draft report of recommendations was released on 31 October 2019.
Key findings
The need to have access to help earlier, have a better experience with mental healthcare and improve the services outside of traditional healthcare systems are key finding in the draft report.
Five key areas for improvement were identified:
- Prevention and early intervention for mental illness and suicide attempts
- Close critical gaps in healthcare services
- Investment in services beyond health
- Assistance for people with mental illness to get into work and enable early treatment of work-related mental illness
- Fundamental reform to care coordination, governance and funding arrangements
What happens next
You can give feedback to the Commission through a written response or attending a public hearing.
Written response
Information on how to submit written feedback is available on the Commission's website. All written feedback is due by Thursday 23 January 2020.
Public hearings
Expand on your submission, respond to other submissions, and provide feedback on the draft report at a public hearing around Australia.
Find out more
Find out more about the report and what it means for you:
Visit the mental health inquiry website for more information and to read the full report.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Productivity Commission's inquiry into mental health, get in touch.
e: bluevoices@beyondblue.org.au
p: 03 9810 6134