Mental Health Inquiry report

Abstract

The report discusses some key influences on people’s mental health, examines the effect of mental health on people’s ability to participate and prosper in the community and workplace, and implications more generally for our economy and productivity.

It makes recommendations to the Australian and State and Territory Governments, to improve the mental health of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, working with people who have experience of mental illness, and with their families and carers.

Recommended reforms extend across workplaces, schools and universities, the justice system, community groups and services for healthcare, psychosocial support, and housing.
For people needing housing services
Suitable housing — that is secure, affordable, of reasonable quality and of enduring tenure
— is a particularly important factor in preventing mental ill-health and a first step in promoting long-term recovery for people experiencing mental illness. Some 16% of people with mental illness live in unsuitable accommodation (homelessness, overcrowding, at risk of eviction or of substandard quality).
Discharge people to stable accommodation
One-quarter of all people admitted to acute mental health services are homeless prior to admission and most are discharged back into homelessness.