NFAW is pleased to endorse the Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand's (GSANZ) submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria's mental health system. The submission focusses on gender differences in the prevalence, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions and suicidality.
Executive summary
We welcome the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The Royal Commission offers a unique opportunity to consider the range of factors which contribute to both poor mental health and good mental health.
We note that there are multiple challenges within the mental health service system including responding to high demand, funding shortfalls, lack of access, poor integration with intersecting service systems, and related areas for policy development and service improvement. Genuine reform will not be possible without significant investment and redesign to place the person at the centre of service delivery.
This submission focuses on gender differences in the prevalence, presentation, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions and suicidality. It explores bias and gaps in knowledge, including a range policy and practice issues in response to Questions 1, 4, 5, and 9 as posed in the Royal Commission’s ‘Outline of questions’ guide. We also draw on case studies and the practice wisdom of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand staff, including their reflections on working with children, young people and families. Applying a gender lens enables a deep understanding of the complex economic and social drivers for mental health conditions, which can in turn inform the development of effective prevention and intervention initiatives.
Ten recommendations are made to inform improved prevention, intervention, response and recovery initiatives with a focus on women, girls and their families. We welcome the opportunity to provide oral evidence in relation to any of the matters raised in this submission.