Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Moore for her continued interest in this area. This week is World Mental Health Week, which seeks to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the wider community. It is about reducing the stigma and supporting those with mental illness and their carers.

Mental illness is the largest single cause of disability in Australia. One in five people and one in four young people will experience a mental health issue in any given year. It is saddening to know that many Australians with mental illness are not seeking or receiving treatment. Mental illness disproportionately affects young people, but only 25 per cent of the 16- to 24-year-olds who experience mental illness will get help. Individuals suffering a mental illness have a life expectancy 20 years lower than that of the general population in Australia.

Supporting a person suffering from mental illness can be difficult for families, friends and communities. That is why the Gillard government recognises mental illness as a national priority. For decades this area has been plagued by bad planning and underinvestment, and our government has undertaken to reform and improve Australia's mental health system and provide adequate health care for all Australians. The Gillard government is providing a $2.2 billion reform package over five years. Labor is delivering reforms over five years through better detection, better targeting and better coordination of mental health services. In the last budget, our mental health package included $571 million for better coordination services for people with severe and persistent mental illness and complex needs.