Systemic Advocacy

By drawing on the expertise and experience of our members, including community mental health service providers, consumers and carers, WAAMH advocates locally and nationally for effective public policy on mental health issues.
We always like to hear new perspectives and feedback regarding our consultations, submissions and advocacy priorities.
We welcome you to contact us with your views.

Engagement and Consultation

17 Apr 2020

COVID-19 Sector Representation

WAAMH's response to the COVID-19 situation, including the community mental health sector consultation conducted for pandemic scenario planning, and resulting report.
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Prevention and Community Support

17 Aug 2021

WAAMH Response to State Budget: mental health

We welcome the recent pre-State budget announcement on mental health spending in Western Australia and acknowledges there are positive measures included in the announcement, and the significant increase in overall spending into the mental health budget. However, the rate of growth in spending on prevention and community support continues to fall relative to the rate of spending in acute services.
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NDIS

07 Apr 2021

Expression of Interest for NDIS Reference Group

WAAMH is seeking one additional independent consumer representative, and one or two independent carer or family member representatives for its NDIS mental Health Reference Group.
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Housing

26 Jun 2020

'A Safe Place' Mental Health Accommodation and Support Strategy

The long-awaited accommodation support strategy has been released and WAAMH welcomes its delivery after several years of development. The focus on improving access to safe and stable accommodation is especially welcomed as safe, affordable housing and mental wellbeing are intrinsically connected.
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Justice Systems

07 Dec 2019

Still waiting for CLMIA draft Bill

WAAMH CEO Taryn Harvey spoke to the ABC about the implications of delays to reform the CLMIA Act being introduced to Parliament and how the deadlines for being able to review the draft have been continually pushed back since August 2019.
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Commonwealth reform and funding

09 Aug 2021

WAAMH Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry: Disability Support Pension

Submission regarding the purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension. We know income is a key social determinant of health; low income and poverty are associated with poor mental health outcomes. Current income support policies and practices have resulted in significant damage to the mental health of many income support recipients, including people receiving the DSP. WAAMH suggests the following: • Remove the punitive conditionality and compliance responsibilities attached to income support payments, including the DSP. • Relax eligibility requirements for the DSP to ensure a closer link between access to the DSP and being unable to long term work in the labor market due to having a psychosocial disability and significant mental health condition. • Consideration should be given to the needs of First Nations DSP applicants, and for other diversity groups. • Increase the amount of the DSP payment. • Improve employment support offered to people receiving the DSP, through a successful evidence-based program such as the Individual Placement and Support program.
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