Have your say on mental health services in rural and remote Australia

Published: 18th April 2018

The LGAQ is seeking input into the Senate referred inquiry and report into the accessibility and quality of mental health services in rural and remote Australia. 

Specifically, the inquiry covers:

(a) the nature and underlying causes of rural and remote Australians accessing mental health services at a much lower rate; 
(b) the higher rate of suicide in rural and remote Australia; 
(c) the nature of the mental health workforce; 
(d) the challenges of delivering mental health services in the regions; 
(e) attitudes towards mental health services; 
(f) opportunities that technology presents for improved service delivery; and 
(g) any other related matters.

This issue is of significant importance to the LGAQ and its members as reflected in the resolution from the 2017 LGAQ Annual Conference stating:

That the Local Government Association of Queensland lobby the State and Federal Government to enact their respective commitments to mental health and wellbeing by increasing funding, and the availability and accessibility of mental health services and programs in rural and remote Queensland.

The LGAQ will be making a submission to the Senate Committee and is seeking your input into this matter. If you wish your comments to be included in the LGAQ submission can you can contact the LGAQ by Friday 4th May 2018:

  • Robert Ferguson, Senior Advisor - Environmental and Public Health:
  • Robert_Ferguson@lgaq.asn.au 

Due to the sensitive and personal nature of this inquiry you may wish to make your own submission to the inquiry here.

Alternatively, if you wish to discuss this matter you can contact Robert Ferguson directly on ph. (07) 3000 2212.