eNews  |  June 2023 Edition 2

Mental Health Commissioner appointment

Since I announced my departure from the role of Commissioner, there have been significant changes in the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention area. This has led me to reach an agreement with the Minister to continue serving in the role of Commissioner for an additional three-year term.

I have sincerely appreciated the support you have shown me throughout the past six years, and the many kind messages and warm wishes have contributed to my decision to stay. I hope you will continue to work with me and the Commission as we embark on the next phase of the reform journey.

Your commitment has been invaluable, and the change that has been achieved could not have been possible without your support, contribution and dedication. I look forward to continuing our work together to improve the lives of people with mental illness, problematic alcohol and drug use and suicidal ideation, their families and carers.

Read more here.

State budget

I was pleased to see the recent state budget included record funding for youth justice, child safety, health and housing.

The government announced funding of $446.4 million over five years to support community safety, tackle the complex causes of youth crime and help boost police resources. The funding included $78.1 million over four years to extend and expand the youth co-responder teams, which sees police and youth justice workers engage with young people to deter offending.

The budget also delivered record investment for child safety, which will see early intervention services extended, with Family and Child Connect services receiving $48.5m over three years from 2024–2025 and $16.2m ongoing from 2027–2028.

As many Queenslanders face the impacts of national cost of living and housing pressures, the government announced it is investing $5 billion for the delivery of social and affordable housing, and housing and homelessness supports.

This is comprised of $3 billion to support the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021–2025 and a $2 billion investment for the Housing Investment Fund.

The budget also provided significant funding for the health system, with investment in women’s healthcare and mental health services. Mental health services will receive a $301.4 million boost under the $1.645 billion Better Care Together: A plan for Queensland’s state-funded mental health alcohol and other drug services to 2027. This includes $150 million for a new mental health facility for Redland Hospital.

Healing strategy released

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Strategy 2020–2040, Leading healing our way, has been released. The strategy acknowledges our state’s shared history and the collective and intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nations Queenslanders. It recognises the importance of cultural authority and leadership, and commits to the systemic changes needed to heal and restore wellbeing.

Flood resilience grants and mental health support

A new $5 million package to help pay for community recovery costs and resilience initiatives, as well as ramp up mental health support, is now available for Queenslanders impacted by recent disaster events in the state’s flood-affected north-west. 

New mental health facility for Redland Hospital

The Queensland Government has announced $150 million for a new mental health facility for Redland Hospital. The hospital’s existing mental health building will be rebuilt with an increase in capacity by 20 beds bringing the total number of beds in the unit to 43.

Boost for NGOs to support cost of living expenses

The Queensland Government has announced it will raise the indexation support rate for non-government organisations to 5.63 per cent. NGO organisations provide vital support services to vulnerable Queenslanders and the funding will help with the extra costs they are facing.

New mental health service for emergency workers

The Black Dog Institute has launched a mental health support service for emergency workers and volunteers. The National Emergency Worker Support Service provides an online check-in to see how you're going and receive a recommended range of free specialist support options. 

Mental health workforce careers resources

The Australian Department of Health has put together resources exploring the range of opportunities and careers available in mental health. The resources provide information about the different jobs available, what qualifications and pathways lead to different roles, and much more. 

Australia Post's 2023 Community Grants Program

Applications are open for Australia Post’s Community Grants program. Grants of up to $10,000 are open to support projects that are locally led and delivered, and that connect people and improve mental wellbeing in local communities. Applications are open until 2 July 2023.

Our Place: First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan

The Queensland Government is developing a new four-year First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan which will set the direction to improve housing outcomes for First Nations peoples living in Queensland. Consultation is open to all Queenslanders to have their say until 14 July.

Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan

The Queensland Government has launched the Reconciliation Action Plan 2023–2025 which outlines actions in four key areas to advance reconciliation. The plan outlines the steps all government agencies will take over the next two years to advance equity through a reframed relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The key finding from the 2022 Indications of a Thriving Workplace survey have been released. The survey of nearly 10,000 Australian workers across 19 industries is one of Australia’s most extensive projects on workplace mental health. Find out more here.

Nominations are open for the 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards! For more information and to submit a nomination, visit the Open Minds website. Nominations close Friday 4 August.

Sponsorships

We offer sponsorships up to $10,000 for sector events. Next round closes 31 August. 

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.

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