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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.
Next......
the
Structure of Mental Health Services in Australia
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