Key Documents
For a comprehensive list of all other policy and related documents see 'Search by Topic' page: Policy section.
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National Documents
[back to top]National Mental Health Policy 2008
Australian Health Ministers (AHMC), 2009.This policy embeds a whole of government approach to mental health, working towards a system that detects and intervenes early in illness, promotes recovery, ensures access to treatment and promotes resilience.
National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011
Council of Australian Governments (COAG), 2006.A strategic framework that emphasises co-ordination between government, private and non-government providers in order to deliver a more seamless and connected care system.
National Mental Health Plan 2003 - 2008
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2003.This National Mental Health Plan consolidates the achievements of the First and Second Plans, addresses gaps identified in both, and takes the National Mental Health Strategy forward with restated and new directions.
National Action Plan for Promotion, Prevention & Early Intervention for Mental Health (Action Plan 2000)
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2000.Supercedes the Mental Health Promotion and Prevention National Action Plan1999. It incorporates feedback from users and expands its content to include early intervention.
Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health: A Monograph (Monograph 2000)
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2000.Theoretical and conceptual foundation for the National Action Plan.
Supporting resource: slide presentation by Dr Debra Rickwood outlining the key points of the Action Plan and Monograph.
Living is For Everyone: A framework for prevention of suicide in Australia
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2008.Provides information for mental health professionals and the wider community to enhance the understanding and prevention of suicide and self harm in Australia.
Framework for the Implementation of the National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 in Multicultural Australia
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2004.Provides strategies to meet nationally accepted standards of service delivery and workforce practice for Australia's multicultural community.
Reporting Suicide and Mental Illness: A Resource for Media Professionals
Hunter Institute of Mental Health, 2006.Also available :
- Resources for the mental health and suicide prevention sectors;
- Resources for stage and screen;
- Resources for police; and
- Resources for courts.
PDF copies of all resources can be obtained free from the Mindframe website.
Print copies are only available to media professionals: contact the Hunter Institute of Mental Health at ph: 02 4924 6727 or email: jaelea.skehan@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.
Principles and Actions for Services and People Working with Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and family Mental Health Association, 2004.Guidance for organisations and individuals across a wide range of jurisdictions.
International Documents
[back to top]Canada
Towards Recovery and Well-Being: A framework for a mental health strategy for Canada (draft)
Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009.England
The Future of Mental Health: A vision for 2015
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, 2006.Making it Possible: Improving mental health and well-being in England
National Institute for Mental Health in England, 2005.National Service Framework for Mental Health: Modern standards and service models
UK Department of Health, 1999.Europe
Improving the Mental Health of the Population: Can the European Union help?
European Union Committee, 2007.Mental Health Promotion and Disorder Prevention: A policy for Europe
Network for Mental Health Promotion and Disorder Prevention (IMHPA), 2005.Ireland
Promoting Menatl Health: Strategy and action plan 2003-2008
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast. 2003New Zealand
Te Hononga 2015: Connecting for greater well-being
Te Kokiri: The mental health and addiction plan 2006-2015
Ministry of Health, New Zealand, 2006Te Tahuhu: Improving mental health 2005-2015 - the second New Zealnd mental health and addiction plan
Ministry of Health, New Zealand, 2005Building on Strengths: A new approach to promoting mental health in New Zealand/Aotearoa
Ministry of Health, New Zealand, 2002.Scotland
A review of Scotland's National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing 2003-2006
Health Scotland, 2008.
Towards a mentally flourishing Scotland: the future of mental health improvement in Scotland 2008-11
National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing: Action plan 2003-2006
Health Scotland, 2003.USA
Healthy People 2010: Understanding and improving health (2nd ed)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000.Mental Health: A report of the Surgeon General
US Department of Health and Human Services, 1999.Wales
Mental Health Promotion Action Plan for Wales: Consultation document
Welsh Assembly Government, 2006.Raising the Standard: The revised adult mental health national service framework and an action plan for Wales
Welsh Assembly Government, 2005.World Health Organization
Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice
World Health Organization, 2004.Concepts relating to promotion of mental health, the emerging evidence for effectiveness of interventions and the public health policy and practice implications.
Prevention of Mental Disorders: Effective interventions and policy options. A summary report
World Health Organization, 2004.An overview of international evidence-based programs and policies for preventing mental and behavioural disorders. It describes the concepts relating to prevention, the relationship between prevention and mental health promotion, the determinants of mental disorders and the implications for public health policy and practice.
State Documents
[back to top]Australian Capital Territory
Draft Mental Health Services Plan 2008-2013
ACT Health, 2008.New South Wales
NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012: From prevention and early intervention to recovery
NSW Health, 2008.Northern Territory
Building healthier Communities: A framework for health and community services 2004-2009
Department of Health and Community Services, 2004.Queensland
Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007-2017
Queensland Health, 2008.Sharing Responsibility for Recovery: Creating and Sustaining Recovery Oriented Systems of Care for Mental Health
Queensland Health, 2005.South Australia
Stepping Up: A social inclusion action plan for mental health reform 2007-2012
Government of SA, 2007.Tasmania
Mental Health Services Strategic Plan 2006-2011: Partners...towards recovery
Department of Health and Human Services, 2006.Victoria
A Plan for Action 2005-2007: Promoting mental health and wellbeing
VicHealth, 2005.Because Mental Health Matters: Victorian mental health reform strategy 2009 - 2019
Victorian Government Department of Human Services, 2009.Western Australia
Delivering a Healthy WA: Western Australia's mental health strategy 2004-2007
Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, 2004.A Recovery Vision for Rehabilitation: Psychiatric rehabilitation policy and strategic framework
Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, 2004.Key documents relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
[back to top]These resources are listed in the policy section of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gateway at http://www.auseinet.com/atsi/policies.php