My take on the Productivity Commission Interim Report: Mind the gaps, and create a better way forward for mental health reform www.croakey.org/mind-the-gap...

Great opportunity under new Fed Government to consider long lasting, impactful change in youth mental health. This requires new thinking and new models: www.croakey.org/addressing-y...

Five key mental health priorities for new Labor Government, here: www.croakey.org/five-priorit... @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social @markbutlermp.bsky.social

My take on the Australian Federal Budget for mental health: www.croakey.org/addressing-s... @markbutlermp.bsky.social

And state/territory govts more focused than ever on hospital-based acute & outpatient mental health care. Spending on community-based psychosocial alternatives to hospitalisation in decline. Where is hospital avoidance/early intervention? @markbutlermp.bsky.social @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social

Latest AIHW data shows impact of $2.3bn 2021-22 Morrison budget on mental health's share of total health budget - spending now almost exactly the same as in 1992, when the National Mental Health Strategy began. @markbutlermp.bsky.social @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social

Labor's mental health achievements and the mystery of 'early intervention', here: www.croakey.org/assessing-th...

ROGS also reports that NSW had 1838 mental health beds in general public hospitals in 2013 and 1879 in 2023. Per 1000 people, bed rate has declined a little but NSW rate still second highest in Australia, probably due to lack of funded alternatives in the community.

PC's ROGS data also shows per capita spending on mental health in NSW to be lowest in the country at $278 while WA spends $390! Average is $307. Part of explanation for psychiatry dispute but not the only reason.

New Productivity Commission Report on Govt Services for mental health shows that per capita spending by both fed and state governments over the period 2013-2023 has really only kept pace with inflation (about 2% per annum over the period). www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/repo...

Very significant variations found. This is inequitable and undesirable. @markbutlermp.bsky.social

Delighted to see this published today. Equity in access to mental health care, all health care, remains key priority for reform.

doi.org/10.5694/mja2...