MEDIA RELEASE – Funding for the community mental health and wellbeing sector is languishing at 1999 levels, according to statistics recently uncovered by the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH).
QAMH CEO Jennifer Black explained at a public hearing of the Queensland Parliament Mental Health Select Committee in Brisbane today, that the figures were gleaned from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics.
“In 2020, the funding for the sector was sitting at the same level as 1999, despite what we know about the increase in demand before and during the pandemic,” Ms Black told the committee.
Ms Black also told the committee that Queensland’s investment in its NGO mental health sector is 35 per cent lower than the national average.
No National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement for Queensland?
Adding to QAMH concerns about the lack of serious investment in community mental health in Queensland, are reports that negotiations between the Federal and Queensland Governments for a national agreement have stalled. (See report: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-09/mental-health-funding-blocked-state-federal-government-dispute/100893232)
“It was hoped this Agreement would finally deliver some of the funding to the community mental health and wellbeing sector in Queensland, so people experiencing mental health challenges could access practical support through our services,” Ms Black said.
“But it appears people are going to continue to miss out.”
QAMH represents more than 100 community mental health and wellbeing organisations in Queensland.
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Media contact: Emma Griffiths, QAMH Director – Advocacy and Communications
M: 0439 971 080
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