Budget 2011-12: information relevant to mental health and related health services

The Government has announced it will be committing a $2.2 billion package over five years towards funding mental health initiatives in the new 2011-12 budget, including investments in hospitals and health services. In order to make mental health a national priority, the Government will also be developing a Ten year roadmap for mental health reform, which the budget initiatives will contribute significantly to, and has appointed the first Federal Mental Health Minister.

The 2011-12 budget includes:

• over $205 million to expand allied health services to regional and remote areas in particular; 
• approximately $208 million to provide over 400 additional personal helpers and mentors who deliver, among other services, specialist remote services focusing on culturally appropriate healing for Indigenous people; and
• over $54 million towards counselling and family tracing and reunion services for members of the Stolen generation.

Contacts

Department of Health and Ageing
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6289 1555 (Switchboard)
Freecall: 1800 020 103

Links

• View information: 2011-12 Budget overview
• View information: Delivering better hospitals, mental health and health services (PDF - 2.7 MB)
• View media release: Investing to close the gap
• View website: 2011-12 Commonwealth Budget