The Tasmanian Liberal Government is building a contemporary, integrated model of mental health care so people can get more holistic support, in the right place, at the right time.
Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Jeremy Rockliff on Thursday released the next annual implementation plan for Rethink 2020, Tasmania’s overarching mental health plan.
“Rethink 2020 outlines a shared approach to improving mental health outcomes for all Tasmanians, and is being delivered in partnership with key stakeholders including Primary Health Tasmania and the Mental Health Council of Tasmania,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Our Government is making sure we are investing in health services Tasmanians need and providing our incredible health workers with the right tools to deliver the very best care.”
The Rethink 2023-24 Implementation Plan contains a range of actions, backed by funding of $1.5 million, including:
- Continue implementing a network of Head to Health services across Tasmania;
- Commence the two-year pilot trial of the Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home program in the North-West;
- Establish a new headspace Centre in outer Hobart and increase capacity of existing headspace Centres in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport;
- Work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to implement culturally sensitive mental health programs and community-based supports, including building the capacity of mental health and related support services in the North-West;
- Develop a concept service model for an LGBTIQA+-specific mental health and alcohol and other drugs service; and
- Develop a new Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Framework(s) for mental health, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drugs.
“The work we are doing under Rethink 2020 forms part of the significant mental health and alcohol and other drugs reform agendas underway in Tasmania, with $410 million invested since the Tasmanian Liberal Government came to office in 2014,” Premier Rockliff said.
This also aligns with the Bilateral Agreement for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention signed by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments in 2022, which will see investment of more than $46 million by the Australian Government to deliver several initiatives in Tasmania.
Rethink 2020 will continue to be reviewed and updated annually, ensuring it remains flexible and responsive, and reflects the outcomes of ongoing consultation, including people with lived experience, carers, families and friends, priority population groups, peak bodies, and service providers.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing in the health system Tasmanians need and deserve.
The 2023-24 Implementation Plan is available at Rethink 2020 – Tasmania’s strategic plan for mental health | Tasmanian Department of Health
