Australian Medical Association

The AMA has reviewed the Government’s Draft Ten Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform (the Roadmap) and is pleased to see that some of the directions set out in the plan incorporate elements of the AMA Position Statement on Mental Health 2011, in particular those Roadmap actions related to reducing stigma and discrimination, increasing access to early intervention and support and improving accessibility of mental health and support services. The AMA has nevertheless critiqued the Government on funding cuts to the Better Access Program (as this action does not match the policy intent outlined in the Roadmap to improve provision of mental health and support services to those who need them) and for failing to adequately recognise the vital and increasing role that GPs play in caring for patients with a mental health issue and their families. The AMA comments also highlighted the importance of specifically targeted programs for special needs groups, and the need to develop measures to address systemic barriers to mental health services.

The AMA welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement that May Budget cuts to mental health services are hurting patients but its decision not to reverse cuts to Medicare funding for GP mental health services is disappointing.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the Government has failed to address the fact that the Budget cuts to Medicare rebates for general practice mental health services are having a detrimental impact on patients.

Bullying and cyber-bullying persist in the community, particulalry among children and adolescents. This resource for doctors provides a brief background on bullying, and some recognised approaches to raising and discussing this issue with young patientsand their parents.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, today urged all Australians to keep an eye out for neighbours and relatives for signs of stress, distress, depression or loneliness over the Christmas period.

Dr Hambleton said that the Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration and family for most people but it can also be a time of sadness and isolation for others.

The AMA applauds today’s decision to appoint the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to Cabinet, and adding Social Inclusion to his portfolio.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that mental health and ageing are key areas of the health portfolio that deserve the attention and advocacy of a Cabinet Minister.

MJA release - Paternal depression during a child’s first year can have a negative impact on the child’s behaviour and development, according to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Bullying can be a common occurrence among children and adolescents, including new forms such as 'cyber-bullying' through online and electronic media, such as facebook, twitter, sms, and email. This AMA youth health brochure provides information for young people on what bullying is, how it can occur, and what can be done to address it. A particular focus is cyber-bullying.

The Government is cutting Medicare rebates for GP mental health services under the Better Access Program by up to 49%. This may mean increased out of pocket expenses for patients who access these services. This kit has been prepared to support GPs in advising their patients why they may now face a gap for these services because of the Government's cuts.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that this week’s messy and divided outcome from the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Commonwealth's funding and administration of mental health services reflects the enormity of community interest in mental health, and the confusing and misinformed input from some key stakeholders.

The Government’s savage cuts to mental health services available through general practice come into effect tomorrow, 1 November.

Under changes announced in the May Budget, the Government is cutting Medicare rebates for GP mental health services under the Better Access Program by up to 46 per cent.