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Mental health & well being
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Policies

Seeking help?
Contact . . .


Lifeline 13 11 14


Kids Help Line
1800 551 800


Mensline
1300 78 9978


VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
1800 011 046

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Which policies are listed here?


The policies listed here are those considered key to directing the work of the Australian Government in its contribution to mental health reform activities in Australia.

The policies


  1. National Mental Health Strategy
    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 includes the:
    • National Mental Health Policy (2008)
      The National Mental Health Policy is a joint statement by the Health Ministers of the Commonwealth, States and Territories of Australia. It was revised and endorsed by Health Ministers again in December 2008, to provide a strategic vision for further whole-of-government mental health reform in Australia.
    • Fourth National Mental Health Plan (PDF 1589 KB)
    • Mental Health statement of rights and responsibilities
    • Australian Health Care Agreements
      The current Australian Health Care Agreements run from 2003 to 2009. Over the six years, the Australian Government will provide around $406 million directly to all states and territories to facilitate mental health reform under the National Mental Health Strategy. A further $81.2 million has been allocated for national reform activities. These activities have a specific focus of public hospital and mental health services on safety, quality and improved patient outcomes, and increasing the responsiveness of services provided for people in need of mental health services.
  2. Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health (2006 - 2011)
    The COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 was developed between governments to provide further impetus to mental health reform and complements the National Mental Health Strategy. The COAG National Action Plan emphasised the importance of governments working together, and the need for more integrated and coordinated care. It also committed governments to a significant injection of new funds into mental health.
  3. National Suicide Prevention Strategy
  4. Towards Better Mental Health for the Veteran Community
    A blueprint for the planning and delivery of mental health services to the veteran community.

    Page currency, Latest update: 20 May, 2010