Mental health in Australia needs reform, not just more money: Ian Hickie

The mental health sector is plagued with ineffective programs that should lose funding, according to a leading expert.

Ian Hickie, a commissioner on the National Mental Health Commission, said services suffered from poor co-ordination and did not address the needs of users and their families.

“Increased funding for expanded mental health services is crucial, but unless we overhaul the system and have the courage to defund ineffective programs, we will be throwing good money after bad,” he said.

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