NCOSS is keen to see whole of Government responses to mental health developed but is also keen to clearly distinguish between the outcomes, which can be achieved by cross-agency strategies, and those, which are appropriately pursued by a NSW Health departmental body. NCOSS is firmly of the view that strong community sector support for the Office of Mental Health is linked to the high level of dissatisfaction it has with the outcomes achieved by the current Centre for Mental Health.

• A Whole of Government Response
• Case Management
• Planning
• Financial Accountability and Transparency
• Housing and Homelessness
• Dual Diagnosis
  • Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
  • Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability
• Justice

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An alliance of peak mental health and community welfare organisations today launched a call for the major parties to commit to do more to address mental health.

The NSW Council of Social Service, the Mental Health Coordinating Council and the Mental Health Association of NSW Inc have released a combined election statement that identifies priority issues that have not yet been addressed in major policy announcements.

"Improving mental health services is not just about additional resources; it also requires fundamental changes to the way in which existing services are delivered. In particular, we need a substantial improvement in the integration of services," said Alan Kirkland, NCOSS Director.

"For example, many people with high needs currently miss out on services because they don't comfortably fit into a 'box'. Those with both mental illness and drug and alcohol issues are often shunted between mental health and drug and alcohol services, ultimately missing out on any assistance at all. The same thing happens to many people with mental illness and intellectual disability.

"Many people with mental illness also struggle to find appropriate housing so that they can continue to live in the community. Many changes currently underway in the housing system may threaten the security of housing for many people with mental health issues.

"Adequate funding of mental health services is a key to preventing vulnerable people coming into contact with the criminal justice system. More funding needs to be allocated to mental health prevention, early intervention and case management services in the community if we are to reduce the dramatic over-representation of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system.

"While mental health services have improved markedly over the twenty years since the 1983 Richmond Report, the recent Legislative Council inquiry into mental health services revealed a number of areas where current services are failing to meet the needs of people with mental illness."