Beyond Blue said they have welcomed the federal government’s $586.9 million investment into the mental health system for Australians.
In an announcement on Wednesday, May 10, Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the funding boost would help improve access to support but “more of the same won’t do.”
“It’s encouraging to see the Government moving to address Australia’s mental health workforce crisis, and we note ongoing funding for psychosocial support for people managing severe mental illness,” Ms Harman said.
“This is a good start but what happens next is critical because more of the same won’t do.”
“We need to think differently if we are to meet Australia’s mental health and wellbeing needs so it’s encouraging to hear this government say this budget lays the groundwork for further mental health system reform.”
Ms Harman said reform must be comprehensive and address the yawning system gap in low-intensity supports and services.
“Not only do we need a bigger mental health workforce, we need a diversified workforce that includes non-clinical options,” she said
“[These include] coaching and peer support, so people can choose the support that suits them before they reach crisis point.”
Ms Harman said Beyond Blue looks forward to collaborating with organisations to create innovative digital solutions for people to get the support that suits them.
“Right now in Australia, too many people are missing out on mental health support [and] too many people are experiencing distress that earlier intervention could have eased.”
