MEDIA STATEMENT
1st November 2019
SANE welcomes the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report on Mental Health and says that if the recommendations are fully implemented, with appropriate ongoing funding, it will make a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues.
SANE CEO, Jack Heath, said the report provides the evidence-base for much needed nation-wide reform and reinforces SANE’s call for the need to reduce stigma and discrimination.
“We know that stigma and discrimination lead to substantially poorer health and social outcomes and can significantly impact the length and quality of people’s lives,” Heath said.
To get a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and impact of stigma and discrimination, SANE this week launched the Our Turn to Speak survey. This national survey will gather data from 7,000 people living with severe and complex mental health issues, asking them about their own experiences across 14 life domains. This is the most ambitious survey of its kind ever undertaken in Australia. We hope that its findings can inform the Productivity Commission’s final report.
SANE welcomes the focus on improved early intervention and prevention, however cautioned on the need to also ensure that mental health reform benefits people of all ages.
“We must not forget the mental health needs of people once they turn 26 years of age. Future recommendations need to be inclusive of people of all ages and improve mental health care across the lifespan, including for older adults and seniors,” Heath said.
SANE also welcomes the recognition by the Productivity Commission that there are one million Australians missing out on adequate mental health care and social supports. SANE will continue to advocate for the needs of those affected by complex mental health issues to help ensure that the Commission’s final report addresses people’s needs across the lifespan.
Anyone looking for information, support and guidance from mental health professionals can contact the SANE Help Centre on 1800 187 263 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. from 10am-8pm AEST Monday to Friday. For anyone in crisis, please call:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Line 1800 659 467
- Mensline 1300 789 978
- KidsHelpline 1800 551 800
ENDS
To request an interview with SANE CEO, Jack Heath or Deputy CEO Dr Michelle Blanchard please contact:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday contact:
Ellen Sproule - 0407 367 215
Thursday, Friday contact:
Bianca Lapins - 0439 708 381
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.sane.org
ABOUT SANE
SANE is a national mental health charity dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues. We work to support the more than four million Australians affected by complex mental health issues including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, complex trauma and severe depression and anxiety.