The report has identified many of the clear gaps in service provision, including the need for additional funding to alleviate demand pressures now and into the future.
Additional, recurrent funding is vital to support the sustainability of the mental health system in Queensland, but reform isn't solely about funding - it's about how and where we spend that investment.
The inquiry has touched on many critical issues of reform, such as:
- strengthening the voice of lived experience in system reform, and the design and delivery of mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention services
- expand Queensland's lived experience workforce
- a focus on vulnerable and at-risk populations
- expand alternatives to the emergency department and suicide aftercare
- expand community-based alcohol and other drugs bed-based care
- more sustainable funding cycles for state-funded services,
- greater visibility and accountability around service delivery, and
- a range of workforce development and sustainability initiatives.
The Commission looks forward to working with government to support their formal response to the inquiry, and to supporting the implementation of the government's response. The State Government's response to the inquiry is due in early September.
The State Budget will be handed down on 21 June 2022.
Read Health Minister Yvette D'Ath's media statement about the report.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission is considering the full report and its recommendations and invites you to share with us your thoughts on the report and its recommendations.
Please email your thoughts to us at: commissioner@qmhc.qld.gov.au
