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The Productivity Commission is to hold an inquiry into the role of mental health in the Australian economy and the best ways to support and improve national mental wellbeing.
Announced by the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, the inquiry will have the goal of revealing the true impact of mental illness on the economy and making recommendations on how to most effectively improve population mental health including social and economic participation.
Mr Frydenberg said the Government would be spending around $4.7 billion this year on mental health and when added to State and Territory Government funding the total allocation for the year would be around $9 billion – the equivalent of $1 million per hour every hour of every day.
“It is crucial that we know that this funding is delivering the best possible outcomes for individuals and their families,” Mr Frydenberg said, “and that is one of the issues the inquiry will investigate.”
Mr Hunt, said that every year four million Australians had to deal with some form of chronic or episodic mental health condition with one in five choosing not to seek help due to the stigma attached.
“I have consulted with State and Territory health and mental health ministers to seek their views on the scope and terms of reference of the inquiry and have welcomed their support,” Mr Hunt said.
“As we enter Mental Health Week it is important that we continue to shine a light on mental health.”
The Ministers said the Productivity Commission would undertake broad consultation as part of its inquiry, including holding hearings in regional Australia and inviting public submissions.
It will then make recommendations on measures to improve population mental health to help people lead full and productive lives.
They said the inquiry would begin later this month with a final report due to be delivered to the Government within 18 months.
