Australia's National Mental Health Strategy.

BACKGROUND

Australia commenced a 5-year reform of mental health services in 1993.

AIMS

To report on the changes to mental health services achieved by 1998.

METHOD

Analysis of data from the Australian National Mental Health Report 2000 and an independent evaluation of the National Mental Health Strategy.

RESULTS

Mental health expenditure increased 30% in real terms, with an 87% growth in community expenditures, a 38% increase in general hospitals and a 29% decrease in psychiatric hospitals. The growth in private psychiatry, averaging 6% annually prior to 1992, was reversed. Consumer and carer involvement in services increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Major structural reform was achieved but there was limited evidence that these changes had been accompanied by improved service quality. The National Mental Health Strategy was renewed for another 5 years.