THE NATIONAL MENTAL-HEALTH POLICY - IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC PSYCHIATRIC-SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA

The Health Ministers of all Australian States, Territories and the Com mon-wealth endorsed a National Mental Health Policy in April 1992 [1]. This Policy is intended to set a clear direction for the future devel opment of mental health services within Australia. The Policy recognis es the high prevalence of mental health problems and mental disorders in the Australian community and the impact of these on consumers, care rs, families and society as a whole. It also clearly accepts the need to address the problems confronting the promotion of mental health and the provision of mental health services.