Media Release - Coordination the Key to Closing the Gap in Mental Health Services

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, today called for a better coordinated approach to the delivery of mental health services, especially those services involving community-based organisations.

Speaking at a public hearing of the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into Mental Health Services in Australia, Mr Quinlan said the lack of coordination between State and Federal Government services has led to burdensome red tape and significant gaps in funding and services, particularly in regional Australia.

"Community organisations are relying on their relationship-building skills, rather than systemic coordination of services, to ensure they establish connections with the more clinically-based mental health services to access the services their clients need," Mr Quinlan said.

"Positive outcomes are often achieved despite the system rather than because of the system.

"In addition to the problem of a lack of coordination, our agencies report their services and skills often play second fiddle to more clinically focused professions. Our agencies are often the first port of call for people with mental illness.

"And while we welcome the recently introduced MBS item numbers designed to ensure affordable access to psychologists and social workers, the gap between the cost of consultations and the rebate preclude many of our clients from accessing those services.

"The introduction of the MBS item number has contributed to an increased demand on services which makes it difficult to attract and retain staff, but better access to bulk billed services, especially for the most vulnerable clients is a must.

"In addition to these concerns, gaps in services interrupt the journey of many mentally ill people on the path to management or recovery. Our agencies report chronic gaps in access to housing, financial counselling, life skills and personal development, interpretation services, social networking, help with gambling and drug and alcohol addiction, and special services to support people with dual diagnoses.

"CoAG's National Action Plan on Mental Health sets out a blue print which is a good start. But people charged with delivering services to some of Australia's most marginalised, say there's a long way to go. We look forward to working with Government at all levels in its endeavours to sort through many of these issues," Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year through its 64 member agencies in remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

A copy of Catholic Social Services Australia's opening statement is available at: http://www.catholicsocialservices.org.au/papers 

16 May 2008                                                                              

CONTACT         Judith Tokley                 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306