PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION INQUIRY WELCOME

While Labor welcomes a Productivity Commission Inquiry into mental health, it cannot be used by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to delay action in progressing reform that is needed now. 

Last month’s ABS data revealed 3,128 Australians died by suicide in 2017 – sadly an increase of 262 deaths from the previous year.

 

These statistics are a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done to address this serious national issue.

 

The Productivity Commission inquiry will be an important element to understanding the social and economic costs in relation to mental health.

 

But the Morrison Government’s Productivity Commission Inquiry cannot and should not delay mental health reform that is urgently needed now.

 

The Government, for example, could immediately adopt the National Mental Health Commission’s target to reduce suicide by 50 per cent over 10 years.

 

A robust target, backed by real resources from all levels of government and an effective plan that supports long-term reform, must be implemented to drive change.

 

Too often the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has played catch-up in this vital area of policy.

 

It took almost a year of Labor publicly calling on the Liberal Government to extend the suicide prevention trial sites before it finally announced it would do so.

 

The Minister for Health is yet to deliver on his promise to deliver a comprehensive plan for specific treatment for Australians who are living with eating disorders.

 

Questions also remain about why this Inquiry is being initiated now, when former National Mental Health Commission chairman Professor Allan Fels called for it almost 18 months ago.

 

Labor knows there is more work to be done to improve the mental health of Australians and to further reduce the thousands of lives lost to suicide each year.

 

Australians living with mental ill health cannot afford delays.

 

The Morrison Government should be leading the states and territories to ensure that the 4 million Australians living with mental ill health get the vital support and services they need.

 

* For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 *