National initiatives

In 2006 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) published the National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006–2011. This provides a framework that emphasises coordination and collaboration between government, private and non-government providers, in order to deliver a more seamless and connected care system for people with a mental illness.

Governments have agreed to a model of community-based coordinated care for people with serious mental illness who:

• are most likely to benefit
• are most at risk of falling through the gaps in the system

There are four key actions outlined:

• promotion, prevention and early intervention
• integrating and improving the care system
• participation in the community and employment, including accommodation
• increasing workforce capacity

The success of the plan requires continuing effort by all governments. For this reason COAG mental health groups are being set up in each state and territory. These groups will work with national mental health (external link) to meet their commitments to the plan.

The implementation of the plan draws upon additional and significant financial commitments from the national and state and territory governments. The value of measures covered in the individual implementation plans totals approximately $4 billion over five years, with the Commonwealth Government contributing $1.9 billion.

• The WA Mental Health Strategy 2004–2007 is part of this plan.