Coalition's Mental Health Package Light on Detail

Dr Yong said that while the additional $110 million is welcome, the policy does not sufficiently acknowledge the current serious underfunding of mental health services and initiatives in Australia.

"The AMA estimates an additional $1.3 billion is needed to bring funding for mental health services in line with other developed countries," Dr Yong said.

"The Coalition's policy does not mention the need to coordinate State and Territory governments and across the various government departments to address the multiple factors affecting mental health.

"Labor's policy will focus the political agenda through better coordination, ensuring mental health services receive the necessary attention and funding.

"Neither party has addressed the serious workforce problems in the public mental health system. There are not enough psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals in the existing public and community-based mental health programs.

"The Coalition's policy fails to recognise the value of preventative measures, which was a feature of Labor's policy.

"Our concerns remain on the Better Outcomes in Mental Health program.  While the promise of an additional $30 million over four years is a good move, the program must be evaluated before decisions on its future can be made.

"GPs are concerned about the program in its current form, particularly the amount of red tape it generates, poor remuneration, and the restrictions it imposes on providing quality patient care.

"GP concerns are reflected in the program's poor uptake. Services conducted under the program are well below the forecast.

"The AMA supports a Medicare structure that properly values quality care and longer consultations with a generic chronic disease number.

"The Coalition's policy overlooks the importance of community awareness and education. Stigma attached to people with mental illness is still a huge issue for the community. 

"The AMA recommends that any mental health initiative should be expanded to become more accessible to a greater proportion of the community and further engage general practitioners.

"This will require significantly more funding than that currently on offer from either of the major parties," Dr Yong said.

29 September 2004

CONTACT:            Judith Tokley  (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306