16. Mental Health

The DRS believes that:

16.1      Good mental health is essential for everyone to participate fully in society, and that the provision of mental health services should follow the principles of universality, according to need, not ability to pay.

16.2      Public mental health funding should be increased significantly, with an extension of community based care and emphases placed on teamwork and continuity of care.

16.3      Homelessness, unemployment, and other social determinants of health among the mentally ill should be addressed and their care and accommodation funded as necessary.

16.4      Provision of care for those with complex needs, including those with drug and alcohol issues complicating mental illness, should be improved and properly funded.

16.5      Support and respite services for carers of people with mental illness should be improved and properly funded

16.6      Research demonstrates the benefits of daylight and exercise for recovery from mental illness, and inpatient facilities should be positioned or re-located with these needs in mind.

16.7      Timely intervention has been shown to prevent or minimise long term distress and maximise people’s ability to be economically independent.  Affordable, accessible, comprehensive, evidence-based treatment including psychological intervention should be available to all based on need.