As a member of the state government’s Mental Health Select Committee, and after several months of public consultation, I welcome the findings handed down by the Queensland Parliament.
This was an enormous task which yielded widespread consultation from stakeholders, including Queenslanders with lived experience of mental health, their families, and carers.
The committee also heard from service providers and professionals working in the field, including representatives from Queensland Health.
The government is now reviewing and considering the findings and recommendations from the Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.
This report gives us an opportunity to better understand the needs and the growing pressure of demand of the state’s mental health system.
The inquiry addressed the current needs and impacts on the mental health service system in Queensland.
It also provides an opportunity to improve integrated mental health services including alcohol and/or other drugs and suicide prevention.
The care continuum is vital and allows us to better support all pillars of the system, such as prevention, crisis response, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.
A major finding from the inquiry was the need to emphasise the importance for all sectors to work together to improve the lives of Queenslanders.
It’s not a matter of one sector leading, but all of them joining together to provide comprehensive and coordinated treatment for the support of people in Queensland.
The inquiry demonstrated the need for integration of Commonwealth and state-funded care, as well as other specialist and non-government services.
I am thankful for the time and effort that has been inputted to this Inquiry, but this is just the beginning of Queensland’s mental health journey.
We all have an opportunity to make a difference in the mental health space if we act together.
The inquiry also highlighted the work done on the ground by community support groups and mental health advocates, both with lived experience with mental ill-health, and supporting someone with mental ill-health.
It is vital to continue the support of these organisations as those who engage on the group with Queenslanders.
