Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Moore and Senator O'Neill, I move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that:

  (i) 20 May to 27 May 2018 is Schizophrenia Awareness Week,

  (ii) people affected by serious mental illness, in particular psychotic illness, are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in Australia, with nearly a quarter of people feeling isolated and over 13 per cent report having no friends at all,

  (iii) people with schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to die from suicide than the general population,

  (iv) factors that play a very important role in influencing recovery from schizophrenia include family relationships, treatment adherence, supportive therapeutic relationships, and access to community support, and

  (v) we all have a role to play to 'Do What We Can Do' to build inclusive communities; and

(b) calls upon all governments in Australia to secure funding for recovery-oriented mental health services, in both hospital and community settings, as agreed to in the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government recognises the devastating impact of schizophrenia on individuals, families and communities. The government continues to make prevention of mental illness, early intervention, treatment and recovery a key national health priority. In the 2018-19 budget we have provided an additional $338 million to mental health and are advancing the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

Question agreed to.