Mental health care: commitment to action?

Abstract

THE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS (the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association) focused on mental health care at its meeting in February. They agreed that more money is needed, and asked their public servants to prepare an action plan urgently.1 The action plan is expected to contain a stronger focus on mental health promotion and early intervention, and perhaps a more flexible approach to the housing and care needs of people who can?t ?manage on their own?. A stronger role for the non-government sector is anticipated, as well as increased access to psychologists and other health professionals in primary care, and efforts to improve access for people with mental illness to employment, community activities, rehabilitation and respite care.