“On behalf of the community mental health sector, I would like to congratulate Hon Anthony Albanese MP on the historical re-election as Prime Minister,” said Cathy O’Toole President of Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA).
“We look forward to working with the federal government including the Prime Minister and his ministerial team to ensure their $1 billion investment in mental health is invested wisely,” Cathy added.
“It simply cannot be business as usual for Australia’s approach to mental health,” said Kerry Hawkins CEO of CMHA. “In the lead up the election, Labor promised an additional $1 billion investment into mental health services, and whilst we welcome any investment in mental health for Australians, the vital community mental health sector cannot be overlooked,” she commented.
“The National Mental Health Commission’s Report Card 2023 found ‘little data available on the impact and efficacy of the billions invested by governments’ and despite this, the election promises seemed to simply be more of the same, failing to mention the community mental health sector or psychosocial supports,” she added.
“As this next government is sworn in, immediate attention must be turned to the need for mental health reform, transforming our system from clinical-centric to community-connected” added Cathy.
“It is time for genuine system transformation, and we call on this government to act,” finished Cathy.