More news from Senate Estimates today in this Media release from Senator McLucas about the Abbott Governments Mental Health Review........ SENATOR JAN MCLUCAS SHADOW MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW SHROUDED IN MYSTERY The Abbott Government’s review into mental health remains shrouded in secrecy with their refusal to publish any interim reports or submissions. The Senate Estimates hearing of the Community Affairs Committee today again confirmed the government’s reluctance to provide any insight into the significant review that is currently underway that will determine the future of Commonwealth mental health programs and funding. The Abbott Government tasked the National Mental Health Commission to undertake the review which is to focus on efficiency and effectiveness, duplication and red tape. It is due to present its final report to government in November 2014. Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Senator Jan McLucas said it is worrying how tight lipped the Government has been throughout the review process. “This review is not transparent – the first two interim reports have not, and will not be published,” Senator McLucas said. “The more than 1800 submissions made by organisations and individuals will also not be made available to the mental health sector of broader community. “And the states and territories have been slow to provide the required information to the review. “The Government is undertaking a major review of mental health services in our country and nothing has been released to date. What are they hiding?” Senator McLucas said personal contributions from individuals to the review about their lived experience of course have the right to remain confidential. “It is critical that we have an open, inclusive, transparent discussion about mental health policy and reform. Many organisations and peak bodies have published their submissions off their own bat, but there is no single place where this public conversation can continue. “The Commission has a respected record but this government is compromising the review process and creating a climate of secrecy. “If this government is serious about delivering reform, they must take the mental health sector and community along with them on the journey, but this is just not happening. “There is real fear in the mental health sector including from consumers about future investment in mental health programs and services. “Australians have much to fear from another ‘Commission of Audit’ style review. We all know this is code for cuts. “We just cannot afford for vulnerable Australians to be hit again by this cruel government.” WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2014 MEDIA CONTACT: BELINDA FEATHERSTONE 0408 743 457
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 06:31:32 +0000
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