Disability and mental health

Mission Australia made a submission to the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015 – 2025: Draft Plan Update 2018 conducted by the Department of Communities. The submission focused on the challenges for service delivery, future directions to be reflected in service streams and changes in the strategic environment that should be taken into account. The submission made a series of recommendations in relation to engaging local Aboriginal and other communities in service delivery and design, expanding services that are providing effective services and increasing the supports for people with moderate mental illnesses.

Mission Australia’s submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry into the social and economic benefits of improving mental health discussed a range of mental health policy areas including consequences of mental health issues, suicide prevention, supports for diverse cohorts, importance of peer support or lived experience experts in service delivery and the relationship between mental health and the impact of other intersecting issues such as alcohol and drug dependence, housing and homelessness, and economic disadvantage.

Mission Australia's submission supported the introduction of Participant Service Guarantees and recommended that these are supported by additional financial and human resources to ensure effective implementation. The submission also highlighted gaps in NDIS service provision for people with psychological disabilities and people experiencing housing and homelessness related issues.

The Productivity Commission released the draft report for public comments in 2019. It was encouraging to see many positive recommendations particularly in relation intersectional challenges people with mental health issues experience including housing, employment, engagement with the justice system and education. Our submission provided additional feedback on these areas to strengthen the recommendations of the Commission.

The Royal Commission called for submissions on employment of people with disability. Our submission highlighted the Young willing and able: Youth Survey Disability Report 2019 and focused on the need to address systemic and structural issues that impact on people with disability from gaining meaningful employment.