Mental health report first step to reform

Australian workplaces, in coordination with health, social and justice services, play an important role in supporting the mental health of Australians and the Australian Chamber is committed to a strong economy that fosters safe, healthy and productive organisations.

The Mental Health Draft Report released by the Productivity Commission today shows that Australia’s mental health system is in need of reform, and ACCI supports this draft report as an important first step.

ACCI Director of Work Health and Safety Jennifer Low said mental ill-health is an important public health issue, which impacts not only on individuals and families, but also on the workplaces that form an important part of our community, our social and economic lives.

“This draft report is an important first step and ACCI will be examining it closely. It  makes a number of recommendations across five reform areas impacting government employment support programs, tertiary education institutes, work health safety, workers’ compensation schemes and data collection,” Ms Low said.

“The impact of the recommendations, including their interaction with workplace laws, needs to be further analysed and understood. We will be encouraging the Commissioners to engage with our members, particularly small businesses on key issues such as employment, training and WHS.

“Any recommendations that will impact the workplace must be capable of practical implementation in a diverse range of business environments, including small and family businesses for there to be meaningful improvement.

“Final recommendations must take a practical and evidenced-based approach to addressing mental ill-health.”

ACCI is currently invested in improving mental health outcomes for workers as a member of the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, a national approach to improving mental health in the workplace by business, community, unions and government.

“We also support and promote through our member network the HeadsUp program by Beyond Blue and the Alliance and our diverse members demonstrate a high level of commitment to worker mental health through a broad array of programs and initiatives,” Ms Low said.

“That’s why considered consultation with all stakeholders will be a vital part of the process and getting this right for each and every Australian.”