Update from National Suicide Prevention Office following announcement of changes in Federal Budget
Posted 28th May 2024 in Sector news
Update provided by the National Suicide Prevention Office
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has announced a process of reform to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO), together referred to as the Commission.
As a first step, the Commission will transfer into the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care as a non-statutory office on 1 October 2024. The Department will lead consultations with the sector to determine appropriate governance arrangements for the future. These arrangements will consider several options – including transitioning the Commission into a statutory office underpinned by primary legislation.
Minister Butler has noted that the Commission’s role in promoting transparency and accountability, and monitoring the impact of all governments’ policies and investments in the mental health and suicide prevention systems, is now more important than ever.
Under the reforms, structures will be put in place to solidify the Commission’s functions and accountability, and safeguard its ability to provide robust and independent oversight of Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention systems. While in the Department, the Commission will sit within the Primary and Community Care Group, administratively reporting directly to the responsible Deputy Secretary. The Commission will continue to report directly to the Minister on all policy, monitoring and reporting responsibilities. The Commission will not be placed within the Department’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Division.
While the reform process progresses, transitioning the Commission into the Department will underpin its ability to deliver on critical work.
To continue to follow the work of the NSPO, visit: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/nspo
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