Better health and ageing for all Australians

Mental Health

COAG National Action Plan on Mental Health (2006-2011)

Information about measures being progressed by the Department of Health and Ageing as part of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan.

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In July 2006, COAG endorsed a National Action Plan on Mental Health (2006-2011). Under the Plan, the Commonwealth is implementing 18 measures over five years to improve services for people with a mental illness, their families and carers, through:

  • increasing clinical and health services available in the community and providing new team work arrangements for psychiatrists, general practitioners, psychologists and mental health nurses
  • providing new non-clinical and respite services for people with mental illness and their families and carers
  • providing an increase in the mental health workforce
  • providing new programs for community awareness
Responsibility for implementing the Commonwealth component of the COAG Plan spans a number of portfolios:
  • Health and Ageing (implementing 13 of 18 measures)
  • Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
  • Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Further information on Commonwealth activity in mental health can be found at www.mentalhealth.gov.au

COAG mental health programs

Progress report - May 2008

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