Submissions

QAMH welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Department of Social Services as part of its A Stronger More Diverse and Independent Community Sector issues paper consultation. The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Services funding landscape has seen many changes over the past decade, not least with the introduction of the NDIS, which has drastically concentrated funding for mental health services at the severe end of possible interventions for mental distress. We appreciate this consultation opportunity as it is an important chance for Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector organisations to assist the Commonwealth to review grants funding processes and consider evidence-based approaches which can maximise mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all Australians. Overall, we believe there are significant opportunities for the Commonwealth to see a higher return on investment by:

• Adequately addressing the gaps in psychosocial support provision by working with the states and territories to share the cost of providing these services to ensure that all Australians have access to the care they need.
• Expanding the quantum of Primary Health Network (PHN) commissioned services to the Community Mental health and Wellbeing Sector which should include low intensity support services, social prescribing initiatives and services for those experiencing moderate to severe mental distress to foster better mental health outcomes for people earlier, and reduce demand on higher-cost interventions including NDIS and acute hospital admission; and
• Intentionally partnering with Local Communities and Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector organisations (referred to as CSOs within this submission) to co-design service models to inform funding agreements and desired outcome measures.