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 National Mental Health Plan 2003 – 2008
- the Mental Health statement of rights and responsibilities
- the Australian Health Care Agreements between the Australian Government and each State and Territory Government.
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 3 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 a Fourth National Mental Health Plan is under development.
Page currency, Latest update: 04 April, 2008