MEDIA RELEASE – The peak body for non-government community mental health organisations in Queensland has welcomed the first Measuring What Matters statement, released by the Federal Treasury today.
“The statement marks significant progress towards placing real value on mental wellbeing as a core factor in a thriving society,” Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) CEO Jennifer Black says.
QAMH particularly endorses placing priority on working towards a healthy nation, looking at the many social and environmental factors that influence wellbeing, where people can access services when they need.
“Given we know there is a huge gap in providing equitable access to mental health services, we believe this is a crucial indicator on the success of government policies and funding,” Ms Black says.
In its submission to the Measuring What Matters consultation process, QAMH called for a whole-of-government approach tying wellbeing indicators to government funding, and the use of more contemporary mental wellbeing indicators.
Ms Black added that QAMH looks forward to seeing future iterations of the Measuring What Matters statement, and how it will be embedded in government policy and funding.
Please consider how you report on mental health issues. Consult mindframe guidelines: https://mindframe.org.au/mental-health/communicating-about-mental-ill-health/mindframe-guidelines
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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
QAMH acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.