Mental health & Well Being

Which policies are listed here?

The policies listed here are those considered key to directing the work of the Australian
Government in its contribution to mental health reform activities in Australia.

The policies

1. National Mental Health Strategy

The National Mental Health Strategy is a commitment by the Australian and State and
Territory Governments to improve the lives of people with a mental illness. It includes
the:

 National Mental Health Policy (2008)

The National Mental Health Policy is a joint statement by the Health Ministers of
the Commonwealth, States and Territories of Australia. It was revised and
endorsed by Health Ministers again in December 2008, to provide a strategic
vision for further whole-of-government mental health reform in Australia.
 Fourth National Mental Health Plan (PDF 1589 KB)
 Mental Health statement of rights and responsibilities
 Australian Health Care Agreements
The current Australian Health Care Agreements run from 2003 to 2009. Over the
six years, the Australian Government will provide around $406 million directly to
all states and territories to facilitate mental health reform under the National
Mental Health Strategy. A further $81.2 million has been allocated for national
reform activities. These activities have a specific focus of public hospital and
mental health services on safety, quality and improved patient outcomes, and
increasing the responsiveness of services provided for people in need of mental
health services.

2. Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health

(2006 - 2011)
The National Action Plan provides a strategic framework that emphasises coordination
and collaboration between government, private and non-government providers in order to
deliver a more seamless and connected care system, so that people with mental illness are
able to participate in the community.

3. National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Mental
Health and Social and Emotional Well Being 2004 - 2009
This publication aims to provide a framework for action by all governments and
communities to improve the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of
Indigenous Australians over the next five years.

4. National Suicide Prevention Strategy

5. Towards Better Mental Health for the Veteran Community

A blueprint for the planning and delivery of mental health services to the veteran
community.