Collaboration • Knowledge • Impact & Influence
The Victorian State Budget, released on Tuesday, revealed that notwithstanding continued investment in the mental health and wellbeing system, substantial reforms recommended by the Royal Commission have been missed.
Mental Health Victoria shares the disappointment of many across the sector to see the Victorian Government has:
Taken together, these delays and missed timelines around core structural and resourcing priorities create doubt as to the ability to realise a better mental health system envisioned by the Royal Commission within what was an already ambitious 10-year horizon.
Mental Health Victoria remains committed to advocating for these critical initiatives and welcomes any feedback from our Associates to help shape our advocacy on these issues. Mental Health Victoria’s Media Release on the Budget is available here.
Nation-Leading Mental Health Reform is losing momentum
We are just three years into the implementation of Victoria’s mental health reform program set by the once-in-a-generation Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Already, through this Budget, we are seeing the Government’s commitment to progressing this urgent reform in a timely manner dwindle.
Now more than ever the sector must push for progress as we simply cannot lose momentum.
Mental health and wellbeing impacts every single Victorian. Promoting thriving populations is cohesive to a flourishing society, as it intersects with practically every other investment the government makes whether that be in health, education, housing, justice, and more.
Before the Royal Commission, Victoria had the lowest per capita expenditure on mental health in the country (13 per cent below the national average) [1]. The starting point of this reform was low, but concerted effort and significant investment put our sector on the path to supporting the transformation of the system.
We know that investing in mental health is a win-win for providing positive economic and social returns including:
Not only is investing in the mental health and wellbeing system necessary and the right thing to do, but it also provides a substantial return on investment for governments, the community and the broader economy.
Reforms take time and tenacity to succeed, they also require consistency and clarity with regard to implementation and the pathway to reform. Mental Health Victoria calls on the Victorian Government to stay the course and re-commit to progressing the Victorian mental health & wellbeing system reforms.
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[1]. Mental Health Victoria, Saving lives, Saving money, June 2018.
[2] Ibid
So, what has been funded?
Mental Health Victoria welcomes and acknowledges that there is significant investment in the mental health system in the 24/25 Victorian Budget. There have been some positive wins for the sector, including:
Now more than ever we must band together to progress our goals and press for transparency with regard to prioritisation, funding and reform as we continue the vital work of the mental health and wellbeing system.
Keep in touch...
Mental Health Victoria welcomes feedback from our Associates on how we can work together as a sector to maintain momentum.
If you are interested in being involved in discussions about the impact resulting from the Victorian State Budget 2024/25 please register your interest here.
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Mental Health Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past and present and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
Mental Health Victoria acknowledges those people touched directly and indirectly by mental health vulnerabilities, trauma, suicide and neurodiversity, and their families, kin, friends and carers. We acknowledge the ongoing contribution of those people in the mental health sector.
Mental Health Victoria values diversity. We advocate for a safe and inclusive society for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity, and uphold these values in all we do.
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