Projects

Key Links

• Workforce Project Newsletter Edition 1 
• Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2024-2029
• Workforce Project Overview Timeline
• Draft Workforce Strategy – The Three Pillars landscape poster

Overview

QAMH has partnered with Queensland Health to develop a Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy in response to the unique workforce challenges facing the sector. While existing federal and state strategies address broader mental health workforces, Queensland is leading the way in developing the first workforce strategy specifically targeting the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector. Challenges such as complex funding streams, a diversity of qualifications and training pathways, and greater representation of lived experience workers mean that distinct actions will be required to address the complexity of workforce issues facing the sector.

The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2024-2029 was launched at Queensland’s State Library on 2 October 2024. This strategy is a culmination of over two years work with the sector. Extensive state-wide public consultation with the expertise of Lived Experience of both consumers and carers, academia and key stakeholders occurred between March and June 2023, building on the strong foundations of the Issues Paper, which was used to initiate discussions about workforce challenges and solutions. The draft strategy was released mid-November 2023 and was further supported by the Workforce Survey Report which explored the top issues including workforce shortages, inadequate funding and insecure contracts. Over the past year, further sector feedback was incorporated into the final Workforce Strategy.

We’ve used all this knowledge to structure this strategy into 19 key priorities. This is an Australian-first for our sector and one we hope will reap reform.

We’re pleased to share that funding has been secured for the next 5 years to implement crucial elements of this strategy. This long-term commitment will allow us to make significant strides in strengthening our workforce and improving mental health services across Queensland. With the strategy now in place, we’re excited to kick off the implementation phase. Our team is already working on translating the priorities into actionable plans and initiatives.

Get Involved
We invite our members to be part of this journey. If you’re interested in consulting with us on various aspects of the strategy over the coming years, please express your interest by filling out our online form. Your expertise and insights will be invaluable as we work together to shape the future of our Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce.

We would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this project over the past 12 months. Your input has helped shape this framework which will guide workforce planning, policy direction and funding priorities over the next five years.

Watch the 2023 Annual Alliance Members Meeting and Workforce Strategy Summit here: