AHPA is concerned that the draft Strategy does not provide a practical strategic framework to provide the Australian community with the mental health workforce it needs. An effective Strategy must understand best practice mental health treatment as person-centred and holistic, include physical health, and emphasise prevention, and early intervention. The full breadth of the allied health workforce should be included, and specific allied health workforce requirements supported.
Update: Further to AHPA submission, AHPA and members of the Mental Health Working Group subsequently wrote to David Coleman MP: the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention expressing our concerns about the outsourcing of consultation on the Strategy and its quality.