The Federal Government’s announcement that it will spend $7.5 million to create two independent national mental health lives Mental Health Australia has praised experience peak bodies.
The statement by the Minister for Health and Aged Care and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to establish two independent national mental health lived experience peak bodies will be warmly received by the sector, according to Mental Health Australia’s acting CEO Harry Lovelock.
“Mental Health Australia has long campaigned for creating two peaks—one consumer and one caregiver—led by persons with lived experience,” said Mr Lovelock. “This was a recommendation of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health.
“Promoting a national voice for people who have lived experiences with mental illness and for those who love and care for them is one of Mental Health Australia’s strategic aims. This is a terrific result as we move toward a system that persons with a lived experience guide.
Mental Health Australia again urged to develop these peaks in our pre-budget submission, so this is a great conclusion. To create these two organizations, Mr Lovelock said, “Mental Health Australia is eager to collaborate with the government, its member Lived Experience Australia and the larger sector.”
Matt Berriman, chair of Mental Health Australia, expressed his satisfaction with the announcement made jointly by the Ministers. “As someone who has first hand knowledge and experience of the mental illness, it’s imperative that we sit at the table and help shape the reform that Australia sorely needs. I am confident that the industry will be keen to assist with the establishment and implementation because it is a significant step, according to Mr Berriman.
