The National Mental Health Strategy is a commitment by the Australian and State and Territory governments to improve the lives of people with a mental illness. It provides a framework for national reform from an institutionally based mental health system to one that is consumer focused with an emphasis on supporting the individual in their community.
The framework of policies, actions and resources to achieve the aims of the Strategy are contained within:
- the National Mental Health Policy (2008)
- the the Fourth National Mental Health Plan: an agenda for collaborative government action in mental health 2009-2014
- the Mental Health statement of rights and responsibilities
The aims of the National Mental Health Strategy are to:
- promote the mental health of the Australian community
- where possible, prevent the development of mental disorder
- reduce the impact of mental disorders on individuals, families and the community
- assure the rights of people with mental illness.
The Strategy was first endorsed by Australian Health Ministers in 1992. It has been reaffirmed with further development and endorsement of 4 successive National Mental Health Plans, the revision of the National Mental Health Policy and completion of other elements under the Strategy. Most recently, the 1992 National Mental Health Policy was revised in 2008, and the Fourth National Mental Health Plan in 2009.
Fourth National Mental Health Plan (PDF 1589 KB)
Page currency, Latest update: 14 May, 2010
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