Our Purpose

Purpose of the Mental Health Commission.

The Commission's functions as defined by the Mental Health Commission Amendment Act 2007 are:

1. to act as an advocate for the interests of people with mental illness and their families generally (rather than for individuals or groups), while taking into account the interests of other stakeholders; and
2. to promote and facilitate collaboration and communication about mental health issues among -
1. stakeholders and representatives in the mental health, government, academic, and community sectors; and
2. members of the general public; and
3. to work independently and with others, -
1. to promote better understanding of mental illness by the community ;and
2. to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and prejudice shown towards people with mental illness and their families and caregivers; and
3. to eliminate inappropriate discrimination on the ground of mental illness against people with mental illness and their families and caregivers; and
4. to monitor, and to report to and advise the minister on, any matter relating to the implementation of the National Mental health Strategy -
1. at intervals agreed between the Minister and the Commission; and
2. when otherwise requested by the Minister; and
3. from time to time as the Commission thinks fit; and
5. to stimulate and support policy-makers and the funders and providers of mental health services in developing integrated, effective, and efficient methods or systems of providing care that meet the needs of their communities; and
6. to stimulate and undertake research into any matter relevant to mental illness.