20 October 2005
Extra funding for research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health welcomed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma congratulated the NSW Government on their recent announcement to allocate an additional $750,000 funding to the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council for research into particular mental health issues facing the Indigenous community.
"I welcome the news that more funding has been made available for Aboriginal mental health research. Mental health issues in Aboriginal communities are often overlooked in current policy debates. If we do not understand and address mental health as an issue in its own right, efforts to improve life in many Indigenous communities are likely to come undone," said Mr Calma.
The Commissioner encouraged mainstream mental health services to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and programs such as the Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program at Charles Sturt University, to ensure mental health services meet the needs of Indigenous people.
"The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) have been actively involved in addressing mental health issues, including the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, notably through the landmark 1993 'Burdekin Report' and the 'Bringing them home' report," Mr Calma said.
He also welcomed the launch of a new report yesterday by the Mental Health Council of Australia and the Brain and Mind Research Institute in association with HREOC titled 'Not for Service: Experiences of injustice and despair in mental health care in Australia'.
"I congratulate the Mental Health Council, the Brain and Mind Research Institute, and Human Rights Commissioner Dr Sev Ozdowski on an excellent report. I note it recounts the experiences of Indigenous mental health consumers and discusses the failure of Australia's mental health system to provide adequate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as the broader community," Commissioner Calma said.
Mr Calma drew attention to his 2004 Social Justice Report, where he signalled he would address the mental health concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a priority throughout his term as Commissioner. He said that while his upcoming 2005 report would flag some of his concerns, the Social Justice Report 2006 would have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health as a focus.
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 20 October 2005.
