This message just came in from the Prime Minister and I wanted to pass it on to you. Congratulations again to everyone who has been part of the mental health campaign.
Letter from PM
Dear GetUp
It was great to speak at GetUp’s mental health forum this week and inspiring to see so many GetUp members at the event.
I know that there are many tens of thousands more around the country who are passionate about the issue too. Every Minister and MP has received thousands of emails and calls from GetUp members about mental heath and many of us have seen the campaign in action on TV and in our electorates.
It’s an issue that is also very important to me. I mentioned at the forum that my father was a psychiatric nurse and I’ve seen through his experience how the mental health sector has progressed over the decades from a more institutional approach toward more holistic community care.
Like millions of Australians I have seen friends and family who have been affected by mental illness.
This week my Government was proud to announce the biggest mental health package in the nation’s history. The package isn’t just about increasing funding. It also shows our commitment to continuing that progress and supporting an integrated community approach to mental health.
I was glad to see that the package has been welcomed by mental health experts including Professor McGorry and Professor Hickie who have been so closely involved in GetUp’s campaign. GetUp members have been passionate sincere and very effective advocates for mental health reform and they’ve made a big impact here in Parliament House.
Sincerely
Julia Gillard
Prime Minister