Queensland Mental Health Select Committee Inquiry - February 2022
Overview
This submission by The Salvation Army to the Queensland Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Mental Health outlines the organisation’s insights into improving mental health outcomes across the state. While not a clinical mental health provider, The Salvation Army draws on its extensive experience as a major social services organisation to advocate for a holistic, community-based approach to mental health care.
Key Points
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Mental Health as a Social Justice Issue: Mental health was identified as the most pressing social justice concern in communities across Australia. The Salvation Army highlights the strong link between mental ill-health and social disadvantage, including housing insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. It stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of mental ill-health through comprehensive, person-centred support.
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Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD): The submission discusses the frequent co-occurrence of mental ill-health and substance use disorders. The Salvation Army, as a major provider of AOD services, emphasises the need for integrated care models that include mental health support alongside AOD treatment. It also notes the strain on mental health services due to workforce shortages and increased demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Coordination and Colocation: The organisation advocates for better coordination and colocation of mental health and AOD services. It notes that while these issues often overlap, they involve different client groups and require distinct skill sets. Improved collaboration between services is seen as essential to delivering effective, wraparound care.
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Rural and Regional Challenges: Staffing shortages in regional areas are a significant concern, often exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing. The Salvation Army notes that these challenges hinder the delivery of consistent, high-quality care in remote communities.
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Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has intensified mental health challenges across Queensland. The submission underscores the need for government responses that go beyond clinical care to address broader social determinants of health, including poverty and disadvantage.