Message from the Chair

PHN advisory panel reports

Last year, I contributed as a member of the Primary Health Network (PHN) advisory panel on mental Health, which convened to provide advice to the Minister for Health on the progress of mental health reform. Two reports were produced – the first is the Reform and system transformation: A five-year horizon for PHNs and the second is the Report of the PHN advisory panel on mental health. I encourage GPs and training providers to read the reports as they contain pertinent information on the supporting role of PHNs in ongoing mental health reform.

Mental Health Training Standards

The GPMHSC begun work towards the review of the Mental Health Training Standards for the 2020–22 triennium. We are currently in the process of reviewing the current Standards and developing a comprehensive framework that will assist GPs and accredited training providers in delivering high-quality mental health services and education. I would like to thank everyone who offered their feedback in October last year by completing the online evaluation surveys. Your feedback is helping ensure the continuing improvement and success of training and education opportunities for GPs in the provision of primary mental health services in Australia.

Close the Gap Day

On 21 March 2019, National Close the Gap Day was celebrated across Australia, helping raise awareness of the health inequalities experienced by Indigenous Australians. The Statement of commitment to reconciliation expresses the GPMHSC commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to help close the gap in social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. Research shows that GPs managed mental health issues for Indigenous Australians at 1.3 times the rate for other Australians. Despite this, there is no specific Council of Australian Governments target for mental health. While targets are in place and the gap is closing for physical health, the gap in mental health remains unacceptably large.

FPS CPD

Lastly, as we head towards the end of the triennium, I would like to remind all current GP providers of Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) of their mandatory requirement to complete at least one FPS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity before Tuesday 31 December 2019. This will ensure that you remain compliant and registered with Medicare Australia into the next triennium. You can find a number of FPS CPD activities available and accredited by the GPMHSC by visiting our website.

Assoc Prof Morton Rawlin

Chair, GPMHSC