Mental Health Workers Welcome Opposition Commitment

The body representing frontline workers dealing with the mentally ill today congratulated Opposition leaser John Brogden on his increased commitment to mental health issues.

The Mental Health Workers Alliance said Mr Brogden's commitment to establish a Ministry for Mental Health and increase funding to the sector was recognition that genuine commitment was required from all sides of politics.

The Mental Health Workers Alliance represents frontline workers including police officers, nurses, doctors, psychologists and community workers and was established last year to raise awareness of the impact of the failings of the mental health system on the delivery of services to the community.

The MHWA will seek a meeting with the new Opposition spokeswoman on mental health Gladys Berejklian.

The MHWA will also seek Opposition support for it's 'Five Step Program for a Saner Mental Health System' which includes:

• Appropriate funding for mental health by increasing the mental health proportion of the State Health Budget to at least 15%, as recommended by the National Mental Health Strategy, and for mental health expenditure to be transparent and quarantined.

• Better resourcing for long term supported accommodation options for all people with mental illnesses, including homeless people.

• Increasing the capacity of inpatient units and community services to guarantee 24 hour access to those in need of treatment.

• Appropriate crisis care, including 24 hour mental health expertise in emergency departments and community teams, to alleviate pressure on front line emergency services.

• Addressing the problems of recruitment and retention in the sector by providing incentives to enter employment, enter training schemes, supporting learning and development.

The MHWA recongises there is no quick fix to the problems of mental health, but is committed to working with all sides of politics to improve the situation for frontline workers.

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