eNews  |  February 2023

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first edition of the newsletter for 2023.

Police drug diversion 

I welcomed the news this week that legislative amendments will now allow police to divert more people found with small quantities of drugs for personal use to a health response, instead of the courts. 

Police diversion enables a proportionate response to people that have an addiction — that is, a health problem — and gives an opportunity for people to get the help and treatment they need early, and without fear of repercussion. 

Expanding diversion is a central feature of Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan. Coming off the back of the record $1.645 billion investment to improve our mental health and alcohol and other drugs services, these changes clearly reinforce the government’s commitment to implementing the Queensland Parliamentary Mental Health Select Committee recommendations. 

I commend the government’s strong action that will improve outcomes not only for individuals, but also the families, carers and kin who support them.

You can read more in my statement. 

Shifting minds community forums

It was wonderful to meet many of you at our Shifting minds community forums in Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Longreach, Toowoomba, and Ipswich, and chat online during our statewide community webinar. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and time.

The feedback we received is being incorporated as we finalise the renewed Shifting minds plan and Phase Two of Every life, due to be submitted for government consideration around the middle of the year. We will also release a consultation report sharing what we heard.

Some personal news

As you may have heard, after almost six years as Commissioner, I have decided to finish my time in the position by the end of June.

While this role comes with significant responsibility, it is also coupled with immense privilege. Every week I get the opportunity to meet people from all corners of Queensland who are dedicated to creating a better system.

I will head into my next chapter feeling motivated and encouraged by the momentum for reform we’ve gathered together. I look forward to continuing to advocate for change, but I am also looking forward to having more time to spend with my grandkids and family.

Though it’s not goodbye just yet, I thank you for your support and engagement with the work of the Commission during my tenure.

New 40-bed Gold Coast mental health facility

The Queensland Government has announced that work will soon begin on a new 40-bed mental health facility on the Gold Coast. Developed with the help of people and carers with lived experience, the new facility will provide secure services to support people with severe and complex mental health disorders in their recovery. 

A plan for strong, inclusive communities

The Queensland Government has released its Communities 2032 Strategy: a 10-year whole-of-government strategy that aims to connect Queenslanders with their local communities, and support communities to respond to local issues.

Elevating consumer and carer lived experience

The Federal Government recently announced $7.5 million funding to establish and operate two independent national mental health lived experience peak bodies: one representing consumers and the other representing carers, families and kin.    

Recommendations from the PTS22 Forum

The report from the PTS22 Forum, which focused on veteran and first responder post-traumatic stress disorder and mental trauma, has been released. The report captures the key discussion and recommendations in the areas of transition, suicide, and models of care that emerged from PTS22.

Communities Innovation Fund open

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for funding under the government’s new grants program to address social isolation and loneliness. The fund will provide grants to a diverse range of projects and services to deliver community-led solutions to reduce isolation and loneliness.

Boosting student wellbeing in Queensland

The Federal Government has announced $203.7 million this year to help young people in every school across the country through the rollout of the Student Wellbeing Boost. The investment includes $192 million in additional one-off funding to every school to support their students’ mental health and wellbeing, and $10.8 million for a new voluntary mental health check tool to enable schools to ensure students get the support they need.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants available

Community and not-for-profit organisations can now apply for grants of up to $100,000. The grants can be used to purchase items such as vehicles and sporting equipment for building upgrades, specialised training, and more. In 2023, there will be four rounds of funding offering grants of up to $100,000, and the other three rounds offering grants of up to $35,000. Applications close on 28 February 2023.

Supporting families and friends of paramedics

Every Mind is trialling a new online support program, Minds Together, aimed at supporting the families and friends of paramedics experiencing mental ill-health or suicidal distress symptoms.

Funding open to get Queenslanders into jobs

Grant applications are open now for Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects. Organisations working to develop skills and work opportunities for Queenslanders have until 30 March 2023 to apply.

National Housing Conference returns to Queensland

The National Housing Conference will return to Brisbane this October for the first time since 2012. The three-day forum will examine the latest evidence, significant policy reforms, and examples of best practice in delivering housing options to Australians. Abstracts for the Conference are now open, and close on Sunday 5 March.

Research shows climate impact on mental health

The Climate Council and Beyond Blue have released results from the national study of the impact of climate-fuelled disasters on the mental health of Australians, with more than half of Australians who experienced climate-fuelled disasters since 2019 saying their mental health has been somewhat impacted.

New disability employment pilot

The Federal Government and the Business Council of Australia have announced a new disability employment pilot that aims to bring more people with a disability into the workforce, and improve employment outcomes for people with disability.

New laws and funding to address youth crime

The Queensland Government has announced new laws and increased funding to tackle the complex causes of youth crime. This includes the expansion of youth co-responder teams, and the Stronger Communities initiative.

The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research is seeking input for its National FaPMI (Families and parents who experience mental ill-health) Priorities Survey. If you are a parent, or family member of a parent who experiences mental ill-health, you can take the survey here.

The Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Commission, is running a series of events across the State focussing on mental health and wellbeing and the impact on business. Book your session here. 

The Institute for Social Science Research is inviting stakeholders to take part in a short survey on the SANE Guided Service for people with complex mental health needs to explore how the service is being implemented. Take the survey here.

Eating Disorders Families Australia is running Temperament Based Therapy with Supports (TBT-S) training in Brisbane from 27 February 2023 for treatment providers and clinicians. Find out more here.

Submissions are open until 10 March to the Select Committee on the Cost of Living, considering the cost of living pressures facing Australians. Submissions are also open for the inquiry into the national trend of school refusal and related matters until 22 March. 

Sponsorships

We offer sponsorships up to $10,000 for sector events. Next round closes 28 February. 

Sector grants

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants.

Events

Check out the latest major sector events, hosted by the Commission and partner organisations.

Please share this newsletter with your colleagues or on social media.