Media Release - Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition 

12 August 2024

Re: NGO Mental Health Sector Asks 2024

NT Lived Experience Network Media Release

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We are writing in support of the recent statement piece for consideration in the NT election for 2024.

With more than half of all Territorians to experience a mental health illness at some point in their lives, we implore all parties in the NT election to care for your electors. A devotion of funds to mental health care will see a three-fold benefit and savings in later care and impact on productivity within the NT community.

With over 28% of Territorians to experience mental illness this year alone, the impact on society is at a critical level and needs to be addressed. The NT is 60% above the national average of mental health patients as a percentage of overall patients sitting at close to a quarter of all patients in the NT.

We ask the following:

• Commit to an appointment of a Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, like that adopted by other jurisdictions across Australia. An objective of this group is to deliver a new NT Mental Health and Related Services.
• Engage with representatives of clinical and lived experience peak bodies to roundtable solutions for mental health care in the Territory.
• Recognition of and funding for bespoke clinical and allied health workplace initiatives.
• Support closer to home services for sub-acute options and safe spaces.

We support the NT Lived Experience Network, Mental Health Coalition and NT Community Visitor Program in this call on all parties and politicians.

Yours in mental health,

Adrian Armitage

Chief Executive Officer

ACMHN

TAGS   Australian College of Mental Health Nurses press release, mental health nursing