The ALP talks homelessness

In recent days, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been quoted in several media outlets talking about his concerns surrounding an Australian housing crisis – and homelessness in particular.

Housing was identified as the most important federal issue affecting people with a mental illness in Australia in our recent Australians Talk Mental Illness survey.

Given that 70% of homeless Australians are affected by mental illness, combating homelessness inevitably means tackling issues surrounding mental health and mental health policy.

For this reason, MIFA is optimistic that we will be able to engage in a positive relationship with the new Rudd Government to deal with community-based mental health issues that in turn will help deal with homelessness.

MIFA would like to invite the new Australian Government, particularly Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek, to consult with MIFA when developing the parts of their housing and homelessness policies that interact with mental health policy.

MIFA in the News

Recently, MIFA CEO Margaret Springgay featured in two major media interviews and talked about the Australians Talk Mental Illness survey, how the political parties responded to our submission and recommendations and what the quality of their response was.

Marg was heard on Virginia Trioli's morning program on ABC Sydney andon Lindy Burns' Drive program on ABC Melbourne.

An article about the ATMI survey also appeared on the ABC website. You can read it by clicking here.

Natasha Miliotis of the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia also appeared on the Mornings program on ABC Adelaide as part of a selection of experts talking about issues that have fallen through the cracks this Federal Election campaign.

The parties talk mental illness

Several of Australia's major political parties have submitted their response to the results MIFA's Australians Talk Mental Illness survey and our recommendations arising from the ATMI study.

We currently have responses from the Australian Greens, the Australian Democrats and the Liberal/National Party Coalition.

What the parties had to say can be read on the ATMI page by clicking here.

Australians Talk Mental Illness 2007

The results of the "Australians Talk Mental Illness 2007" survey are in!

Click here to be directed to the results page or click on the image below to read the submission that MIFA has sent to Australia's major political parties based on the survey results.

On the page, you will find a summary of all key results and MIFA's key recommendations on how political parties can address the issues that have been raised in the survey during the current election campaign.

There's also a guide to lobbying your local MP and members of the media can find further information about the survey.

Thanks to all MIFA members and members of the community who contributed their voice to the Australians Talk Mental Illness 2007.

We'll also be sending out an email announcing the results to everyone who has subscribed to the MIFA online database. If you haven't received one, please let us know.

Australians Talk Mental Illness Results Coming Soon

The results of the Australians Talk Mental Illness survey have now been collated and analysed. A formal submission for Australia's major political parties is now being written.

Full results, along with an advocacy campaign and MIFA's submission will be ready to be launched in early October and will be posted on MIFA's website.

Tasmanians Unite on Mental Illness

Tasmania's two mental health bodies have now merged and formed a single body covering the state.

The new body's name is Association of Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill, to be known as ARAFMI Tas.

 

Margaret Springgay of the Mental Illness Fellowship Australia met with two international experts on mental health last week to give her insight into the implementation of the Federal Department of Health and Ageing’s 3rd National Mental Health Plan 2003 - 2008.

Professor Graham Thornicroft of King’s College, Cambridge in the UK and Charles Curie, formerly head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the US have been engaged by DoHA to prepare a summative evaluation on the progress of the current [and 3rd] National Mental Health Plan.

Thornicroft and Curie are meeting with key stakeholders around the country.  Their findings will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the current plan and to inform government on what a National Mental Health Plan should address in 2008-2013.

Also at the meeting with Thornicroft and Curie were representatives from the Australian Mental Health Consumer Network, SANE Australia, ARAFMI and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum.

National Speaking Tour Focuses On Research

As part of Schizophrenia Awareness Week 2007 (May 20 to 27) the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia

explored the theme: Schizophrenia: the Search for Solutions in a series of public events in Sydney,

Townsville, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Canberra, Launceston and Adelaide.

Leading researchers from the Australian Psychosis Research Network (APRN) swapped lab coats for

the lecturn and informed, enlightened and surprised members of state fellowships and

the public with their latest findings.

The series was made possible by the generous support of Eli Lilly. MIFA also thanks the Australian Psychosis

Research Network.

Call 1800 985 944 to be connected to your nearest MIFA member for details and bookings.

MIFA Grows Stronger

MIFA is pleased to announce its first member organisation in Tasmania. Association of Friends and

Relatives of Mental Illness was welcomed by the MIFA Board as a new member at the recent meeting

held in Melbourne on Wednesday 19th April. ARAFMI (Tas) was represented at the meeting by its President

Debbie Butler who said: "We see affiliation with MIFA as bringing enormous benefits to our organisation

and those who we attempt to support'.

Name Change for NT

The Northern Territory Association for Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill (NT ARAFMI) has changed

its name to Mental Health Carers NT. All other details remain the same.

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