A record number of members and representatives from the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector attended QAMH’s major event for the year, on Friday 17 November at the Queensland State Library.

The Annual Alliance Members Meeting was a time to reflect on the achievements over the past year, with QAMH delivering on a number of priorities including the Workforce Strategy and the Scholarships Program. QAMH also became the Peak body for psychosocial supports in Queensland, guiding people to services and advocating for people with psychosocial disability.

“With our 125 members, 19 forums were held over the year, we have represented our members on 33 committees and with their input our priorities for the year were laid out in 19 submissions, reports and position papers. We also received endorsement of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP),” QAMH CEO Jennifer Black told the gathering.

“Today we lodged our state budget submission, that builds on the previous one.

“Through consultation with our members and analysis of funding figures we are asking for $151.3 million for non-government organisations in the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector to fund the critical gap in state-funded psychosocial supports for severe and complex mental illness.

“I believe this submission builds a compelling case and I urge you to read this in detail.”

The morning presentations set the stage for the Workforce Strategy Summit and the release of the draft Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2024-2029, funded by  Queensland Health. This strategy is a culmination of over 12 months work with the sector. Workforce shortages, inadequate funding and worker wellbeing are just some of the challenges facing the sector. QAMH has used the knowledge gathered to structure this strategy into 19 key priorities.

“The Workforce Strategy vision is “a contemporary, person-led and culturally safe Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce equipped with the optimal mix of skills and knowledge to meet the needs of Queenslanders experiencing mental health challenges along the full continuum of care.”

A range of speakers engaged the audience including;

  • Brittany Lauga, The Queensland Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Keppel acknowledging the unique workforce challenges for the sector and the increased funding for psychosocial supports under the ‘Better Care Together’ plan.
  • Ivan Frkovic, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner addressing the growth, development and sustainability issues, especially around workforce and touched on the systematic analysis the Commission has funded to identify successful imperatives to grow and strengthen the sector.
  • Expert panel members including Dr Catherine Brasier, Lived Experienced Strategic Lead at Wellways and Academic at La Trobe University; Rita Prisad-Ildes, co-founder of World Wellness Group, who has been a crucial member of the QAMH project advisory committee for workforce as well and John Cain – CEO of North and West Remote Health.
  • Sandra Eyre, The Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy and Planning Branch.
  • Michelle Hoomans, Learning and Development Manager at the NSW Peak
  • Chantal Llora, representing Minister Di Farmer
  • Melanie Sennett, Acting QAMH Chair

 

QAMH is grateful to everyone who has contributed to submissions and projects over the past 12 months, in particular the workforce strategy where your input has helped shape this framework which we hope will guide workforce planning, policy direction and funding priorities over the next five years.

For more information: 

Watch the 2023 Annual Alliance Members Meeting and Workforce Strategy Summit

Please send us your feedback on the draft Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2024-2029 and the draft Core Competency Framework Monday 15 January 2024 to workforce@qamh.org.au

Read our 2024 State Budget submission here

 

. . . . .  

Media contact:
Emma Griffiths
QAMH Director – Advocacy and Communications
Queensland Alliance for Mental Health
M: 0439 971 080
E: egriffiths@qamh.org.au