Page 4107 - Week 13 - Thursday, 2 December 2021
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co-occurring, they also require different clinical expertise in order to be integrated for a person-centred response.
The commitment to working more effectively with people with multiple and complex needs is reflected in the ACT government’s recent investment in services for young people. This includes building capacity in community programs, such as CatholicCare’s youth and wellbeing, and the scoping work that is being done to develop more effective and integrated responses to young people who have experienced trauma, mental health concerns and issues of alcohol and other drug use.
We know that dealing with multiple issues requires a cross-sectoral response that can bring together the range of expertise required. While integrated care is the goal, in practice this will look different for each person. Engaging the person and their families in planning for recovery and agreeing on the treatments and supports needed, with the expert guidance of health professionals, are integral to a person-centred approach.
As mental health minister and as the minister responsible for carers, I often hear from mental health carers who discuss with me the need to concurrently respond to mental health and alcohol and other drug issues. I thank all the people with lived experience of these issues who relay to me the importance of this dual response work.
Our mental health and alcohol and other drug sector staff are also integral to the success of this work. It is critical that mental health and alcohol and other drug staff are adequately skilled in identifying co-occurring issues and negotiating the appropriate treatment and referral pathways that will ensure that people get the help they need at the right time.
Mental health workforce strategies being developed at the national and ACT levels will take into account the capabilities required of staff in this increasingly complex area of service delivery. These workforce issues do not apply only to our ACT Health and Canberra Health Services staff. Our community sector mental health and alcohol and other drug staff are also integral to the success of this integrated approach. I know that our sector colleagues are acutely aware of this issue and see the need in the community and their clients. We are committed to continuing to listen to their expertise as we address this area of work.
The ACT Health Directorate is currently carrying out a process of recommissioning community-based, non-government health services that it funds. This process will consider the strategic drivers outlined in the ACT mental health and suicide prevention plan and the national drug strategy. It will also offer opportunities to promote integration and partnerships and address community need more effectively.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the issue at the heart of this motion is an important one for discussion in the Assembly. As I have noted today, the co-occurrence of mental health and alcohol and other drug issues is an important issue for the ACT government, and work continues to address the need for better treatment and services for people in need of concurrent support.
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