Due to desparities among governments both state and federal, experts warn that many million dollars allocated for mental health services need to be squandered .
A psychiatrist, Ian Hickie says from the previous approaches it was clear that both were having clash in setting policies.The former competition regulator, Professor Hickie and Allan Fels said: due to lack of clear accountability, federal-state role in mental health services result in a continuation of second-rate services.
Rob Knowles, the council chairman said about $340 million for 1 year and $1.8 billion for 5 years were funded from NSW and federal Government respectively.
A joint approach by Council of Australian Government that points out recovery, maintenance, distribution and early intervention was in need to create an integrated system - Mr Knowles said. But what was urgently needed was an integrated system that focused on early intervention and recovery, Mr Knowles said.
The dean of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, Professor Fels, complained and was made upset for the lack of support given by federal and state governments regarding mental health services and its accountability.
