AMA attends Mental Health Equity and Access Forum

Access to mental health services a focus as the AMA met with the mental health sector in Canberra this week.

On 30 January, the AMA was represented by Dr Danielle McMullen and Ms Anita Mills at the Mental Health Equity and Access forum at Parliament House.

The forum was hosted by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP. Representatives from across the mental health sector were in attendance to reflect on the evaluation outcomes of the Better Access program, as well as consider questions around how access to mental health services can be improved.

Particular focus was given to mental health services for people in rural and remote locations as well as diverse population groups whose needs may not be best addressed by mainstream mental health service delivery models. Dr McMullen emphasised the importance of continuity of care for people at all stages of their mental health treatment and the importance of all mental health service providers being adequately resourced to provide this continuity across the system.

The AMA has been actively involved in the Better Access evaluation process and will continue to engage with government in 2023 on mental health reform.