The Momentum Builds: Mental Health Reform in Australia

Abstract

In June 1998 Australia's National Mental Health Strategy [1] concluded. Since it's inception in 1992 there have been considerable changes to public and some changes to private sector mental health services, generally in the directions outlined in the Strategy. Not everybody is happy with what has been achieved. Some don't like the directions and some, especially the consumers, think we haven't gone far and fast enough. Clearly much remains to be done and the Strategy has now been renewed for a further 5 years beginning in July 1998. The 1996 National Mental Health Report [2] outlines the progress since 1992 and some of the findings are discussed below.