Queensland’s Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck has welcomed the release of the second national report card into mental health and suicide prevention.
Dr van Schoubroeck said that in the 12 months since the release of the first national report card the Queensland Mental Health Commission had been established and extensive consultation undertaken to inform the state’s mental health and drug strategic plan.
She said many of the issues raised in the second national report had been reflected in her conversations around the State.
"In recent months, I have met with more than 650 people across Queensland and heard first-hand from people with lived experience and professional expertise.
“The national report directly addresses many of the issues raised in Queensland, such as the overrepresentation of people with mental illness in the prison system and the importance of intervening early to keep people well,” she said.
Dr van Schoubroeck also welcomed a national approach to reducing discrimination.
“A key of reform in Queensland is the need for increased levels of intervention to start when people are young and continue throughout life.
“Another imperative is to make sure the voices of consumers, families and carers are heard at all levels and solutions found to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
“A fundamental principle in everything we do is the need to promote the best interests of people living with mental illness and substance misuse as well as their families and carers.
“We’re intent on finding ways to ensure their participation is an integral part of our business,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
Queensland’s mental health and drug strategic plan, due for release in mid 2014, will identify actions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders and minimise the impact of substance use in our communities.
