Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan released

Around four million Australians who experience a mental health condition will benefit from a strengthened mental health system under the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

The Plan was endorsed in August by all health ministers at Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council. It commits to ensuring people with mental health challenges get the support and treatment they need.

The Plan will see a more coordinated national approach to mental health from all governments and stakeholders.

More than 2,800 Australians take their lives each year and the Plan will provide an additional focus of suicide prevention.

Evidence-based approaches and strategies to prevent suicide will be implemented through a community-wide approach, including more effective follow-up support for people who have attempted to take their own lives.

The Turnbull Government recently committed $47 million for more frontline services for suicide prevention.

As part of a $4 billion annual investment in mental health the Head to Health website was recently launched, linking Australians to online and phone mental health services, information and resources.

A wide ranging package of reforms to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable for Australians was also recently announced, including better access for mental health services without a waiting period.

In partnership with consumers and carers, Primary Health Networks and Local Hospital Networks will plan and design mental health services to meet specific local needs.

For more information about the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Plan visit the COAG Health Council website.