Publications
National mental health policy 2008
This policy represents a renewed commitment to the continual improvement of Australia's mental health system.
. Fact sheets
. Programs
. Publications
.. National mental health policy 2008
.. Other publications
. Data
. Consumer and carer participation
. Consultation
. Policy
. Links
The policy embeds a whole of government approach to mental health, first agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments in July 2006, within the National Mental Health Strategy. The policy represents a renewed commitment by all health ministers and ministers with responsibility for mental health to the continual improvement of Australia's mental health system. It works towards ensuring that Australia has a mental health system that detects and intervenes early in illness, promotes recovery, and ensures that all Australians with a mental illness have access to effective and appropriate treatment and community supports to enable them to participate in the community fully.
It also recognises that certain groups in the community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, homeless and disadvantaged people, those exposed to traumatic events, and those with serious or chronic health problems are at heightened risk of mental health problems and mental illness.
National mental health policy 2008 (html)
National mental health policy 2008 (PDF 2487 KB large file)
The same publication in smaller sections:
Cover pages (PDF 289 KB)
Foreword (PDF 41 KB)
Contents (PDF 270 KB)
1. Introduction - cover page (PDF 628 KB large file)
1. Introduction - text (PDF 634 KB large file)
2. Policy directions - cover page (PDF 610 KB large file)
2. Policy directions - text (PDF 615 KB large file)
3. Glossary - cover (PDF 645 KB large file)
3. Glossary - text (PDF 292 KB)
To obtain a hard copy of this publication, please contact National Mailing and Marketing on (02) 6269 1080 or health@nationalmailing.com.au. The code for this publication is MH239.
Page last reviewed: 25 March 2013
Help with accessing large documents
When accessing large documents (over 500 KB in size), it is recommended that the following procedure be used:
- Click the link with the RIGHT mouse button
- Choose "Save Target As.../Save Link As..." depending on your browser
- Select an appropriate folder on a local drive to place the downloaded file
Attempting to open large documents within the browser window (by left-clicking)
may inhibit your ability to continue browsing while the document is
opening and/or lead to system problems.
Help with accessing PDF documents
To view PDF (Portable Document Format) documents, you will need to have a PDF reader installed on your computer. A number of PDF readers are available through the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) Web Guide website.

