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Strategic Plan renewal 2017–2018

The Queensland Government approved the renewed strategic plan for Queensland mental health, alcohol and other drugs and suicide prevention in July 2023.

Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2023-2028 sets the five year direction for a whole-of-government approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, and preventing and reducing the impact of mental illness, problematic alcohol and other drug use.

This approval marks the finalisation of Shifting minds: Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan 2018-2023.

Consultation to renew the Strategic Plan

To continue to make progress towards achieving better outcomes for Queenslanders, the Commission commenced reviewing the statewide strategic plan in February 2017.

Through forums and responses to discussion papers, we heard from over 250 people across the state.

We engaged with people with lived experience, their families, carers and support people as well as front-line providers at forums held in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and Toowoomba.

People attending the forums and responding to discussion papers shared with us what they believe will make a difference in improving mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders and to prevent and reduce the impact of mental illness, problematic alcohol and other drug use and suicide.

We heard, not only about things that need to change, but some examples of what works.

The formal submission process has closed but you can still share your views on the Strategic Plan by contacting us.

Your voice, one vision

The consultation report, Your voice, one vision was released 10 October 2017.

The report draws together the wealth of information and experience shared with us during consultation and sets the scene for future reform in Queensland.

Key findings include that the system should:

  • be centred on the diverse and changing needs of Queenslanders
  • support recovery and people to live lives with purpose
  • coordinate programs and funding to ensure equitable access to services and better outcomes for people
  • promote and support coordination, collaboration and integration within and across services and sectors
  • place greater focus on prevention and early intervention
  • enable flexibility and remove barriers to accessing services
  • tailor policies, programs and services to better respond to the needs and goals of Queenslanders
  • provide stepped care options that are linked to other support services
  • reduce stigma and discrimination
  • ensure meaningful engagement with the community and people with a lived experience.

Read the media statement Mental health reforms need to focus on people.

The consultation findings were used in talks with decision-makers, and guided development of the renewed Strategic Plan, due in 2018.