Plans to tackle the increasing mental health problems in Australia were discussed at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in February, but no funding details were released.

The announcement today (5 April 2006) is a significant step and the Prime Minister, John Howard has asked the country's states and territories to match the contribution.

Under the Federal Government's plan, the there will be an increase in clinical and health services available in the community and new team work arrangements for psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists and mental health nurses. New non-clinical and respite services for people with mental illness and their families and carers will be available, an increase in the mental health workforce, and new programmes for community awareness.

Medicare will be restructured to support new team work arrangements in mental health, psychiatrists and GPs will be able to refer patients with a mental illness to psychologists, and these services will be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

Today's announcement comes after last week’s release of the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health report, where recommendations were made to improve Australia's mental health services.