Health & Well Being

We believe all Australians should have equal access to holistic health. The system should be supported by education, technology, families and the community.

Recommendation 1
Mental Health

We recommend a community education campaign to de-stigmatise perception of mental health. This campaign should:

• be tailored to meet the specific needs of the community (i.e. schools, TAFEs, universities, the workplace)
• utilise role-models affected by and involved with, mental health issues, to share their experiences and assist in finding positive solutions
• provide a platform of support to reduce problems such as suicide
• make use of the media, the government and the Internet

Recommendation 2
Substance Abuse

We recommend the government address issues relating to substance abuse by:

• recognising the impact on family and community when drafting policy
• adopting an individualistic approach to all cases
• implementing long-term support mechanisms to ensure the continued rehabilitation of those affected
• providing continued financial support for education and awareness campaigns.

Recommendation 3
Equal Access to Health Services

We recommend equal access to health services for all Australians by:

• providing appropriate services to meet the needs of the individual (e.g. people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, ethnic groups, and senior citizens)
• improving the efficiency of health networks such as mobile health professionals, Flying Doctor services and telehealth
• providing increased incentives for health professionals to work in rural and remote areas
• expanding communication technologies and transport systems.

Recommendation 4
Integrated and Holistic Health Care

We recommend the promotion of communication between health services so that a range of treatment options in a holistic and integrated manner are available (including alternative therapies, mental health services and Western medicine).

Recommendation 5
Youth Health Initiative

We recommend the development of a mobile, youth-managed initiative that promotes awareness, recognition and education about health issues for young people and families. This should include:

• relationships, sex, self-esteem, abuse, sexual pressure, sexually transmitted infections, abortion, contraception, chastity, motherhood, fatherhood, marriage, etc.
• health and safety issues
• how these issues affect the emotional and mental health of youth.

Recommendation 6
Youth Service Directory

We recommend the development of a centralised directory of health services for youth (i.e. a "youth white pages"). This directory should be distributed through all educational institutions, health service providers and other community organisations.