Mental Health Australia's Submission in response to the interim report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement

Mental Health Australia was pleased to provide a submission in response to the interim report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. This response builds on our initial submission to this review, and is informed by a consultation workshop with Mental Health Australia members.

The interim report provides a clear and valuable analysis of the shortcomings of the current National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and a useful start on a way forward for the next Agreement. Mental Health Australia strongly supports the majority of the Commission’s draft recommendations. However we are concerned the proposal for extension of the current Agreement risks further delaying urgent intergovernmental actions, particularly in addressing unmet need for psychosocial support, and does not allow appropriate time for development of a renewed National Mental Health Strategy. 

Mental Health Australia’s submission offers ten specific recommendations for consideration in the Productivity Commission’s final report. Our recommendations point to better balancing the need for urgent action and long-term reform, strengthening governance and accountability, considering the needs of priority population groups and improving sector sustainability through the next Agreement.