Brief History of Psychiatry in Australia

In 1955, the Commonwealth Government commissioned a national survey of mental institutions in Australia. The inquiry found that Australian standards of care for the mentally ill were very low. 

Throughout the 1960s, the principles of "deinstitutionalisation" and community-based treatment were emphasised. Community-based mental health services were then reinforced in the early 1970s when the Commonwealth Government increased funding to the states to establish community mental health services. 

The 1980s saw a growing concern for a national approach to mental health, and in 1992 the Australian Health Ministers made a joint statement in the national mental health policy with the intention to set a clear direction for the future development of mental health services within Australia (Australian Health Ministers, 1995). 

Since 1993, national action to reform mental health care has been driven by a number of policies and initiatives under the National Mental Health Strategy. The strategy has recognised the impact of mental health problems and mental disorders on individuals, their families, the wider community and the Australian health system. 

Activities of the current National Mental Health Plan (2003 – 2008) are guided by four priority themes: Promoting mental health and preventing mental health problems and mental illness. Increasing service responsiveness. Strengthening quality. Fostering research, innovation and sustainability.

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