This week, the Federal and Victorian Governments released the final reports from two Royal Commissions, both of which have the potential to see critically needed improvements to mental health outcomes for Australians, and significant changes to the landscape in which many of us work as psychologists.
The final reports from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety make it clear that we are dealing with systems that are fundamentally broken, which are failing the public, and which urgently need fixing.
The APS made multiple submissions to each of the inquiries, stating what needs to happen to ensure that those dealing with a mental illness or psychological distress can access the support of psychologists. In assessing each of the final reports this week, there is hope for real change.
Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System final report
The report makes for sobering reading. While the Royal Commission’s scope of reference focused on the Victorian system, there are lessons to be learnt for all other governments and the APS has welcomed the Victorian Government’s leadership in generational mental health reform.
The report speaks of countless cases of people struggling to find the support they need, and falling through the cracks of a complex and impenetrable system. It also reveals what we already know – that the demand for mental health support far exceeds supply.
The Victorian Government has committed to implementing all 65 recommendations, signalling the possibility for genuine transformational change – and the APS is buoyed that the report highlights the central role of psychologists in the support and treatment of people living with mental illness.
The APS made 29 recommendations to the Commission, making a case for evidence-based psychological treatment at the forefront of care, and has highlighted key areas for reform, including:
- Early intervention evidence-based psychological treatment with an emphasis on illness prevention. As part of this we continue to call for one school psychologist for every 500 students.
- Better access for regional, remote and rural Victorians and high-needs community groups. There needs to be more incentivisation, training and retention of psychologists outside of our cities.
- Bolstering the capacity of the public sector and community level support. Public sector psychologists and evidence-based interventions must be at the heart of this.
Some of these issues have been addressed within the report, with recommendations calling on the need for a responsive and integrated mental health and wellbeing system. This includes through the establishment of close to 100 new mental health and wellbeing services, for adults as well as children and young people. It is proposed these be delivered through partnerships between public health services or public hospitals and nongovernment organisations – across Victoria – presenting many opportunities for psychologists to be involved in the treatment of those in need.
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report
The aged care sector report reveals the stark reality of the mental health crisis facing Australians in aged care facilities.
It is shocking that up to 50 percent of residents have symptoms of anxiety and depression, versus the around 10 percent of older Australians in the community.
The Commission’s recommendations outline a number of steps that must be taken to incorporate psychology into the treatment of aged care residents. It is heartening to see that the mental health and wellbeing of older people is finally being acknowledged side by side with physical health.
The APS welcomes the following recommendations which align with our own put forward to the Royal Commission:
- residents be eligible for MBS psychological services under Better Access from November 2021. Following years of APS advocacy, this is an important step in securing indefinite access – and we will continue to push Government to turn this into a reality
- residents receive a mental health assessment and subsequent treatment plan by a GP or psychiatrist within two months of entry into residential aged care, as well as three monthly reassessment and review by a GP, psychiatrist or psychologist
- the reduction and regulation of the use of restrictive practices for addressing behavioural issues. The APS has long argued that restrictive practices need significantly more oversight and should only be used in exceptional circumstances
- those receiving in-home care should have access to allied health professionals, including psychologists
- more education and training should be made available to the aged care sector workforce.
Next steps
The APS is currently reviewing the final reports in detail and considering these in the context of other submissions and inquiries. In particular, the recent Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health showed the clear opportunity to create generational reform to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Australians. It urged State, Territory and Federal Governments to work together, and we are wholeheartedly embracing this opportunity to help them make this happen.
The APS looks forward to working closely with both the Federal and Victorian Governments on implementing the Commissions’ recommendations, and will continue to communicate to members on our advocacy efforts.
Dr Zena Burgess FAPS FAICD
Chief Executive Officer