We need to initiate mental health strategies in the community by having appropriate funds made available from the national health budget that specifically targets mental health issues at the grassroots. The time has come where we must provide active community based mental health programs with full time staff in urban centres and for regional, rural and remote communities.
It is a well established medical and psychological fact that marijuana and other drugs create, in some users, psychotic episodes, paranoia and anti-social behaviour. We will make locally based drop-in centres more available where families and/or patients can go at anytime for advice and support.
A serious problem in rural and remote Australia is the dramatic increase in suicide in the farming and agriculture sector, and Aboriginal communities. We need to develop an understanding and recognise the indicators for suicide, whilst having the appropriate support available.
Develop a policy to establish recurrent funding for the development for human resource development for the provision of Aboriginal Traditional Healers, Nun Kurri, based on the ‘Chinese Barefoot Doctors’ program.
