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Australians are living through a time of major mental health challenges and subsequent calls for reform of the mental health system. Federally, the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement has committed to a National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. At a state level, the Queensland Government has committed to focused workforce planning under Better Care Together.  

QAMH is working to ensure the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing workforce is not left out of this strategic planning.  Our sector provides crucial support for people experiencing mental health challenges, often alongside clinical health professionals, in a range of roles, including support workers, recovery coaches and Lived Experience peer workers. 

Important Workforce Issues Facing the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector 

One of the biggest challenges facing the sector is the employment of a suitably qualified and skilled workforce that is sufficient in size to meet demand. The sector needs a workforce that has the right mix of skills and knowledge, achieved through contemporary and high-quality training.  

The workforce also needs to reflect the population diversity of people accessing services, and be informed by people with lived experience. Workforce challenges include the need to strengthen workforce skills and capabilities, improve conditions so staff feel safe, supported and valued, ensure employment stability, encourage workforce diversity, and enhanced career pathways. 

Draft Issues Paper released for Comment 

To kickstart the conversation, QAMH released a draft Issues Paper at our Jobs and Skills Summit on 18 November 2022.  

QAMH is seeking written submissions from our members on the issues raised in the QAMH draft Issues Paper. This may be a short comment or a more lengthy document covering a range of issues. Where possible, you should provide evidence, such as relevant data and documentation, to support your views. The final Issues Paper will be published at the end of February 2023. 

Read our draft Issues Paper here 

Email submissions to: admin@qamh.org.au by Friday, 27 January 2023

Please note that this current consultation period relates to feedback on the Issues Paper. Additional state-wide consultation will take place between March and July 2023 to discuss the proposed Workforce Strategy and Action Plan in more detail. 

Any queries about the submission process can be directed to Sally McLeod, Policy and Project Officer at smcleod@qamh.org.au or Ph: (07) 3394 8480 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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