Mental health focus

Government to run rule over funding direction and performance

MENTAL health funding will be put under the microscope as part of a major Productivity Commission inquiry established by the Federal Government.

The inquiry will look at the impact of mental illness on the economy and scrutinise the $9 billion spent a year by federal, state and territory governments.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said one in five Australians with a mental health issue were not seeking help because of the perceived stigma involved.

He said it was appropriate to have the commission look at how effectively mental health funding was being spent, with Canberra contributing $4.7 billion a year.

“We’re confident that we are spending the money wisely but that’s the purpose behind the Productivity Commission report – to see if we can improve overall outcomes,” Mr Frydenberg told Sky News yesterday.

The inquiry will provide recommendations on how the Government can most effectively improve mental health, and social and workforce participation and productivity.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said he had consulted with state and territory counterparts on the terms of reference.

“As we enter Mental Health Week it is important that we continue to shine a light on mental health and work hard to ensure we are providing the best possible support to Australians living with mental illness,” Mr Hunt said.

Labor’s mental health spokeswoman Julie Collins welcomed the inquiry, but said it shouldn’t be used to delay action on mental health.

She wants the Government to adopt the National Mental Health Commission’s target to reduce suicide by 50 per cent over 10 years.

“Labor knows there is more work to be done to improve the mental health of Australians and to further reduce the thousands of lives lost to suicide each year,” Ms Collins said.

Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 4636.