Queensland Governmetn Signs Beyondblue Agreement
Premier Peter Beattie and beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett have signed a partnership agreement confirming Queensland Government’s commitment to the national beyondblue initiative until 2010.
The State Government has also increased its contribution to the independent, not-for-profit organisation from $280,000 to $3 million over the next five years, taking Queensland Government’s spending on mental health over the same period to $349 million.
“With one in five people experiencing a mental illness at some point in their lives, the beyondblue partnership is helping us reach more people, raise community awareness about depression, anxiety and related health issues, and break down the barriers of the past,” said the Premier.
“In partnership with beyondblue, there will be continued expansion of outreach and prevention programs such as the important schools research initiative which involves 18 secondary schools in Brisbane and is going to be extended until 2007.
“Already the research has uncovered information that will help improve understanding as well as the design and delivery of services for young people.
“The research found 10% of students taking part encountered mild depression, 13% reported moderate depression, while 12% reported severe depression. The research also found that 37% of those students taking part recognised they had a mental health issue and of those just a third sough help from family, friends or professionals.”
Chairman of beyondblue Jeff Kennett welcomed the agreement with Queensland.
“We look forward to continuing our programs to raise awareness of depression in Queensland,” Mr Kennett said.
“People need to understand depression is an illness, not a weakness, and help is available.
“beyondblue is now working in partnership with every government in Australia - Federal, Territory and State. It’s gratifying how beyondblue continues to reach beyond party politics, across competing sectors and policies to help people with depression, wherever they live in Australia.”
More than one million people living in Australia experience depression each year. One in five will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the beyondblue agreement will expand projects such as early intervention and prevention initiatives, a support network for carers, postnatal depression, and programs for the workplace.
“Mental health affects every community so it is important to intervene early so we can reduce the incidence of Queenslanders developing mental illness or harming themselves,” he said.
For more information about depression, available treatments and where to get help go to www.beyondblue.org.au