Federal and Territory governments respond to the Disability Royal Commission The Australian Government has released its official response to the Disability Royal Commission’s Final Report. The Federal Government's full response is available here.
The Australian Government’s response addresses 172 recommendations, with 130 accepted or accepted in principle, 36 under further consideration, and 6 noted. Despite the funding commitments made as part of this response, including $39.7 million to establish a new disability advocacy program and $227.6 million for a new specialist disability employment program, there is limited tangible support behind substantial recommendations.
The ACT Government has similarly released its formal response, considering 129 recommendations relevant to the Territory. It has accepted or accepted in principle the majority of these recommendations and is prioritising initiatives that align with the ACT Disability Strategy 2024-2033. This includes a $13.9 million investment to support the implementation of the Strategy, focusing on changing community attitudes and building capacity.
In a system where carers are often whistleblowers to abuse and trusted advocates, we are deeply disappointed that carers were left out of many of the Commission's recommendations and the ACT Government's subsequent response. In a fragmented system of supports for people with disability, it is often family and friend carers who step up to fill the gaps left by inadequate or abusive services.
Carers ACT remains committed to working closely with the ACT Government and disability organisations to move beyond words and achieve real, impactful changes that end exploitation and build an inclusive community that cares.
The full ACT Government response is available here.
Unified sector priorities for Ministers’ meeting Carers ACT has supported the statement released by Mental Health Australia, alongside 80 other mental health organisations, urging Health and Mental Health Ministers to take decisive action during their meeting this Friday.
The Statement of Priorities outlines key actions for Australian, State, and Territory Governments to implement immediately to improve access to mental health supports. As the first national meeting of Health and Mental Health Ministers in years, it is a critical moment ahead of upcoming elections to advance much-needed reforms.
Key asks include publicly releasing the national Analysis of Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support outside the NDIS, committing to ongoing twice-yearly meetings, and establishing a national accord to bridge gaps between primary and acute care services. The statement highlights priority areas such as system reform, workforce development, and improved support for infant, child, and youth services. Read the full statement by clicking the link here.
Lancet Psychiatry Commission reveals youth mental health crisisA world-first report by the Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health, led by Orygen, highlights a "scandalous" lack of action, with serious implications for the health and wellbeing of young people worldwide. The four-year study, involving over 50 experts, reveals that 39% of young Australians have a diagnosable mental health condition, yet half do not receive adequate care.
The report calls for scaling up evidence-based solutions and transforming current models of care to better support youth aged 12 to 25, including addressing the “missing middle” who fall through gaps in the system. Global trends like intergenerational inequality, financial pressures, and social media are named as major drivers of the crisis.
Find more details in the full issue of the Lancet, available for free.
Alarming rise in child and family homelessness in AustraliaA report released by Homelessness Australia during Homelessness Week 2024 has revealed that more than a third of the 88,696 family members who sought homelessness support services in Australia remain homeless after accessing help. The report also found that over 76,000 children under 18 sought assistance in 2022-23, with nearly 16,000 unaccompanied by a parent or carer. Concerningly, more than 25,000 children remained homeless despite seeking help, and nearly 20,000 were turned away due to resource shortages.
The report stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive National Housing and Homelessness Plan to address the key drivers of homelessness, including rental stress, domestic violence, and inadequate support services. You can read the full report here.
Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services ProceduresThe Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has recently reviewed several procedures, including: - Care of Persons Subject to a Conditional Release Order Procedure
- Care of Persons Subject to a Psychiatric Treatment Order with or without a Restriction Order Procedure
- Care of a Person Subject to a Forensic Mental Health Order Procedure
If you would like to provide feedback on these updated procedures, please contact Catherine Vonarx at mhcarers@carersact.org.au. Consultation closes on 5 September 2024.
National Carer Strategy The Australian Government is developing a new National Carer Strategy and is inviting carers across the country to provide input. The Strategy aims to deliver a coordinated national agenda that recognises the critical contributions of Australia’s unpaid carers. It will guide carer policy across key areas such as aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs, and mental health.
Carers can contribute by reading the discussion paper and submitting feedback. For those short on time, a collection of free-form questions is also available to help inform areas of priority for the Strategy. Carers are also invited to sign up for the virtual consultation sessions, scheduled for:
- Monday, 26 August 2024, 7:00 pm-9:30 pm (via Zoom)
- Sunday, 1 September 2024, 4:00 pm-6:30 pm (via Zoom)
Consultation is open until the 13 September, with options to submit online or via email to NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au.
Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 The Australian Government is seeking public feedback on Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031. The Strategy outlines the framework for disability policy in Australia, aiming to ensure people with disability can fully participate as equal members of society. Public consultation is open until Friday, 6 September.
For more information and to provide feedback, visit the DSS engage website here.
NDIS Supports List On 27 March 2024, the Australian Government introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024 (Cth) to Parliament. This Bill proposes changes to the NDIS Act 2013 to improve how the NDIS operates. If passed, the changes will include a new definition of NDIS support to help participants and providers understand what NDIS funding can be used for.
Public consultation is currently open on draft lists that outline how NDIS funding can be used. These lists will be part of a transitional rule on NDIS Supports until a new rule is formally agreed upon by the Commonwealth and States and Territories.
For more information and to provide feedback, visit the consultation page here or fill out the survey via this link. Consultations close on 25 August 2024 at 5:00 pm.
FACTORS – Factors Affecting Community Treatment Orders Research StudyAustralia has one of the highest rates of forced community treatment for mental illness globally. A research study, supported by several universities and Lived Experience Australia, is seeking participants for an online survey on experiences with community treatment orders (CTOs). You can provide feedback using the link most appropriate to your circumstances:
For questions about the study, please contact Professor Sharon Lawn at sharon.lawn@flinders.edu.au.
Queanbeyan Alcohol and Other Drugs HubGrand Pacific Health has launched the Queanbeyan Alcohol and Other Drugs Hub, offering integrated, culturally safe, and free support for those at risk of or experiencing harm from alcohol and other drugs in the region.
Learn more about the service here.
Bereaved by Suicide support groupLifeline Canberra is offering a Bereaved by Suicide Support Group designed for adults aged 18 and over who have lost a loved one within the past 3 months to 3 years. The program spans 6 sessions with the same group members, creating a supportive environment to share experiences and find comfort.
Cost: $26 (donation to Lifeline Canberra).
To register, email lladmin@act.lifeline.org.au or call 02 6171 6300.
Scam Awareness Webinar – 30 August (online)COTA Australia, in partnership with NAB’s Group Security team, is hosting a webinar to help identify scams, what to do if you’ve been scammed, and tips for staying secure online. The webinar will cover common scams impacting older Australians and ways to protect yourself.
Date: Friday, 30 August 2024 Time: 12:00 pm (AEST)
Click here to register.
Volunteers wanted – Family Drug Support (FDS)Family Drug Support (FDS) is seeking volunteers for its 24/7 support line. Volunteers receive induction training, ongoing supervision, and have opportunities for additional skill development. A 2 day volunteer training workshop will be provided on Saturday 24th August & Sunday 25th August 2024, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.
For more information, contact James at 0448 169 205 or james@fds.org.au, or visit the FDS website at www.fds.org.au (under the Volunteering tab).
Updating the 8 Key Ways to Recovery – Butterfly Foundation podcastCarolyn Costin, an expert in eating disorder recovery, shares insights from her book Eight Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder and discusses key strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Listen to the podcast via the link here.
Workplace Inclusion Webinar – supporting employees with caring responsibilitiesFW and Carers Australia invite you to join the Workplace Inclusion: Supporting Employees with Caring Responsibilities webinar on Tuesday, 27 August at 12:00 pm AEST. This free, 60-minute session will cover practical ways to assess how inclusive your organisation is and provide actionable strategies to enhance support for carers in the workplace.
Hosted by Briana Blackett, the webinar will feature a panel discussion with experts and a Q&A session, giving you the chance to explore real-world solutions and ask questions about fostering a carer-friendly work environment.
Register for the webinar here.
Lived Experience Guidelines for suicide prevention servicesNew guidelines have been developed to improve care for people experiencing suicidal distress or bereavement. Co-designed by Roses in the Ocean and Folk, with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, the guidelines cover service design, commissioning, and evaluation for: - Aftercare for those who have attempted suicide
- Postvention support for those bereaved by suicide
- Distress Brief Support services
Learn more about the guidelines here.
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