ONE MONTH AND COUNTING FOR MENTAL HEALTH REPORT RELEASE

30 July 2020

Today marks one month since the Morrison Government received the final Productivity Commission report on mental health.

The report was handed to the Government on 30 June, and gives Australia a chance to reform policy across education, housing, the workplace and the justice and health systems to address better mental health for Australians.

The report must be released as soon as possible so that a response can be finalised and funded in Octobers Budget.

Mental health must be a priority during the COVID health emergency, as Scott Morrison and Greg Hunt promised it would be.

Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt.

Due to the Governments suspension of Parliament, there are now only 8 sitting days in the House of the Parliament before Budget night.

We urge Scott Morrison and Greg Hunt to release this report as a priority so consultation on a response can start with the sector.

Labor acknowledges the bipartisan commitment to addressing better mental health for Australians, which includes encouraging the Government to make this important report public.

*For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467, Beyondblue:1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline:1800 551 800, MensLine Australia:1300 789 978*.