Government inaction on mental illness faces overwhelming criticism ahead of federal election

Pharma News: The Federal Government must strengthen its support for individuals with severe and complex mental illness to prevent future tragedies like the Bondi Junction attack.

The nationwide poll, unveiled in Parliament House on World Mental Health Day, revealed that 84% of respondents favored increased funding and services for those living with severe mental illness to reduce the risk of similar events.

Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler MP, said “The cost-of-living crisis has caused mental distress in and of itself… Not long after we got through the pandemic, which itself was a driver of huge amounts of mental distress in adults, but particularly among young people, we were then hit by the global inflation crisis, which again has caused mental distress. That’s one of the reasons why you’re seeing high levels of mental distress in our community.”

In addition to the 84% backing for increased mental health funding, the YouGov poll of 1,619 Australians showed 85% support for political parties releasing plans to address severe mental illness ahead of the upcoming federal election, and 83% agreed it should be a health priority for the next Federal Government.

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins stated “It’s the most prominent health issue GPs are helping patients manage, and we all know work can impact mental health. Australians need access to affordable mental health care. That’s why we’re asking the government to increase patients’ Medicare rebates for GP mental health and longer consults – to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The poll, commissioned by Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA), Psychosis Australia, and Boehringer Ingelheim, also found that 74% of respondents felt that recent events had heightened their awareness of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Dr Higgins added, “One-in-five Australians delayed seeing a mental health professional due to costs last year, with significantly more delaying care for psychiatrists and psychologists, compared to GPs, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. GPs from across Australia have told us they’re seeing more patients with multiple, complex health issues including mental health, and many can’t afford to see specialists or allied health professionals privately.” 

Dr Elizabeth Moore, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), said “For many Australians, mental health care is too far away, involves too long a wait, is too expensive, or simply unavailable. Workforce shortages remain the biggest barrier to providing timely and accessible mental health care for Australians.”

Rob Ramjan AM, Chair of Psychosis Australia, reflected on the significance of the Bondi Junction incident. He noted “The events of 13 April in Bondi Junction illustrate the very worst-case when a person with severe and complex mental health illness is untreated and unsupported in the community.

“It is encouraging that, following this tragic incident, there is a clear shift in community attitudes and understanding of the need for better care of people living with severe and complex mental illness. It’s crucial to acknowledge that people living with severe and complex mental illness are more often victims of violence than perpetrators.”

The poll results revealed strong public sentiment, with 86% agreeing that people living with severe mental illness deserve more government support, and 89% saying families and carers of those affected also need additional assistance. More than eight-in-ten respondents (81%) believed that severe mental illness is just as deserving of government funding as other diseases.

Tony Stevenson, CEO of Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, emphasised the urgency of political action. He said “The findings suggest that Australian voters are eager for political parties to make clear commitments in support of people impacted by severe and complex mental illness. As a federal election approaches, our goal is to engage with all sides of politics to ensure severe and complex mental health is never again placed in the too hard basket.”

The poll also revealed that 45% of respondents personally know someone living with severe mental illness.

Dirk Otto, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Australia, further underscored the scale of the issue. “Approximately 880,000 Australians are now living with a severe and complex mental illness. As important as our research and development efforts are, the work of groups like MIFA and Psychosis Australia to improve the day-to-day lives of people with severe mental illness is crucial.”

Last year, Boehringer Ingelheim announced a partnership with Melbourne-based biotech Kinoxis Therapeutics in a $181 million deal to develop therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Otto added, “People living with severe and complex mental illness need access to a combination of treatments, including new medicines that target specific symptoms, behavioural therapies, and – critically – psychosocial supports. We hope we can play a part in ensuring these complex diseases are also prioritized in the community and by government.”

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