New $4M National Mental Health Consumer Body Launched

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PDF printable version of New $4M National Mental Health Consumer Body Launched (PDF 19 KB)

01 July 2011

The Gillard Government continues to deliver on its commitment to make mental health a priority, with the announcement today of up to $4 million to establish a new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation.

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the new organisation would be hosted by the Consumers Health Forum with a view to transitioning to a completely independent organisation after two years.

“The establishment of the National Mental Health Consumer Organisation will ensure that the voice of mental health consumers is a central part of the Government’s commitment to mental health reform” Mr Butler said.

“Consumers of mental health services need a dedicated national body to represent their views and their perspective on the development of mental health policy and its practical implementation.”

Mr Butler said the new body will also provide the Government with advice and direction in formulating mental health policy and programs and will work with the new National Mental Health Commission.

Chief Executive Officer of the Consumers Health Forum Carol Bennett said: “We look forward to mental health consumers having a stronger independent voice on fundamental healthcare and quality of life issues.”

The Government has decided to ask the Consumers Health Forum to host the new mental health consumer body because it is important the new organisation is established as soon as possible and is able to focus on providing advice during the implementation of the Government’s $2.2 billion Delivering on Mental Health Reform package.

The Consumer Health Forum is a credible organisation with a strong public profile and the capacity to provide a suitable initial-home for the new consumer body,” Mr Butler said.

Consumer advocate Janet Meagher from Sydney said: “Consumers have waited a long time for this and we are looking forward to consumers having a strong and independent voice in Australia.”

Michael Burge, a consumer advocate from Toowoomba said. “I am pleased the Government has made this decision, it will give hope to the thousands of people with a lived experience of mental illness and show that once again our voice is being acknowledged and valued."

For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280