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
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- Mental Health Council of Australia, Canberra, ACT.
- 1. Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. National Mental Health Report 2000: Sixth Annual Report. Changes in Australia's Mental Health Services under the First National Mental Health Plan of the National Mental Health Strategy 1993–98. Canberra: Mental Health and Special Programs Branch, Department of Health and Ageing, 2000.
- 2. Thornicroft G, Betts V. International Mid-term Review of the Second National Mental Health Plan for Australia. Canberra: Mental Health and Special Programs Branch, Department of Health and Ageing, 2002.
- 3. Kemp R, Kirov G, Everitt B, et al. Randomised controlled trial of compliance therapy: 18-month follow-up. Br J Psychiatry 1998; 172: 413-419.