The community mental health (CMH) sector is a critical component of the broader mental health system, delivering prevention, early intervention, psychosocial support and support after crisis, to people living with mental health challenges, their families and carers. Further, CMH services play a pivotal role in connecting individuals experiencing mental health challenges with comprehensive health and social supports. This integrated approach addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals, reducing the likelihood of inpatient admissions and other high-cost and avoidable interventions (1).
CMH is primarily funded by the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments, with a significant number of grants and contracts administered through the 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Despite growing demand and numerous intersecting reforms, CMH commissioning and funding approaches have not been updated to ensure they remain fit for purpose. This has been highlighted in the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report on Mental Health which noted that there are ‘too many funding channels,’ resulting in excessive administrative burden. Similarly, the UWA Centre for Public Value has argued that current funding and contracting policies are undermining the capacity of the community service sector (4).
Neami’s position
Neami’s position statement outlines the critical role of community mental health, systemic funding and commissioning challenges and Neami’s recommendations for sustainable, fit-for-purpose reform.