Ley says mental health system ‘disturbing’

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Health Minister Sussan Ley

Health Minister Sussan Ley believes the mental health funding available is not being well spent. Source: AAP

HEALTH Minister Sussan Ley believes there’s enough mental health funding but it’s not being well spent.

AND that means far too many people are falling through the cracks.

Ms Ley released a government-commissioned report into Australia’s mental health system on Thursday, admitting it painted a “disturbing picture”. But she also said the report was positive because it maps a way forward. “We cannot continue to place band-aids on the mental health system and expect it to heal itself,” she said. The 700-page report makes 25 recommendations, including diverting $1 billion from acute hospital funding into more community-based and primary health services. Ms Ley has already ruled that out. It also calls for a national plan for suicide prevention with the aim of reducing attempts by 50 per cent over the next decade, more clarity over NDIS eligibility and encouraging GPs and pharmacists to be more involved in mental health care. It recommends indigenous mental health become a national priority and be included in the closing the gap targets. The government spends around $14 billion each year on mental health but the report says while that’s significant, it’s not being spent on the right things. “There is evidence that far too many people suffer worse mental and physical ill-health because of the treatment they receive, or are condemned to ongoing cycles of avoidable treatment and medications, including avoidable involuntary seclusion and restraint,” the report said. Ms Ley refused to detail which recommendations the government would adopt, instead setting up a COAG working group to co-ordinate a national mental health approach. It will be informed by an expert reference group. That’s because some of the recommendations offer “positive ideas” but others are not conducive to a national approach and require further investigation, Ms Ley said. “Let’s not forget this is not just about dollars, it’s about people,” Ms Ley told reporters in Sydney. “Everyone agrees that it’s time for reform, it’s time for change.” National Mental Health Commission chair Allan Fels said there needs to be a shift to a model of person-centred care, where the system is designed to fit the needs of people and not what service providers have to offer. “We can and must get better at catching people before they fall,” Prof Fels said. The estimated economic cost of mental illness ranges from $28.6 billion a year to $40 billion – or more than two per cent of national income.