Responding to the Australian experience of depression: the view of the Mental Health Council of Australia

As a result of the National Mental Health Strategy (1993–2003), the reform of Australian mental health services has come a long way.1 Specifically, issues highlighted by consumers and carers (increased access, commitment to equity, improved quality of services, promotion of choice and active participation by consumers and carers in national and local planning and decision-making) have been increasingly recognised. The time has now come to move from recognition of these issues to service changes that meet the identified needs, expectations, and standards of the wider community.2