Further Evidence of Record Investment in Mental Health Services
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that spending on mental health related services is continuing at record levels.
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12 October 2011
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that spending on mental health related services is continuing at record levels.
The data shows that around $5.9 billion is spent on mental health services each year and that spending on mental health-related services has increased by an average of 4.8 per cent per Australian between 2004–05 and 2008–09.
"This record spending in mental health is continuing through this year's Budget which included the single largest investment in mental health in the nation's history with more than $2.2 billion in new measures," Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said today.
The new data is available on a new website being launched today during National Mental Health Week by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.
“I congratulate the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on this terrific effort in making data about the national response to the mental health care needs of Australians more transparent and easy to access”, Mr Butler said.
"The release of the new data and website comes at a time of increasing public interest in mental health, as well as at a time of unprecedented commitment by an Australian Government to deliver mental health reforms that will help to ensure the millions of Australians living with mental illness get the care they need, when they need it.
"The Gillard Government understands the critical importance of access to, and development of, quality mental health information at a national level.
"Such information is critical to making decisions, informing policy, shaping services and guiding reform. The new online website will take a lead role in providing this information and will help us to know what’s working and what’s not – and where the gaps are."
The new website will complement the work of the new National Mental Health Commission in driving a more accountable and transparent mental health system.
"The Commission will benefit and draw from the information available on the new website in carrying out its work, particularly the National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention every year.
"The new website builds on the Gillard Governments efforts to support more transparent and open government through other initiatives such as the MySchool and MyHospitals websites.
The Institute will also produce an annual summary document to provide a yearly snapshot of what the data show. The first of these, Mental Health Services: In brief 2011 is already available, on the website and as a printed booklet.
The AIHW’s new online Mental Health Services in Australia website is available at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website
Media contact: Virginia Kim, 0407 415 484
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