DAO joins Mental Health Commission

• Mental Health Commission and the Drug and Alcohol Office amalgamated

• These arrangements will deliver better government in these areas

• Part of changes to improve the delivery of services to the WA community

The State Government today announced the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) and the Mental Health Commission (MHC) will be joined.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said this would ensure better integration of the State's network of mental health and drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services.

"There is no doubt that there is a substantial link between people experiencing mental illness and harmful drug and alcohol use," Mrs Morton said.

"Given the common occurrence of drug and alcohol issues coexisting with mental health problems, this merger will support a timely and effective response to both issues.

"The Stokes Report highlighted the need for improved liaison between mental health and drug and alcohol services to co-operatively provide care and intervention for patients with dual conditions.

"The new arrangement will encourage culture change, reduce the incidence of 'silos' in service delivery and improve the delivery of mental health and drug and alcohol services across the State.

"The amalgamation will also ensure integration of professional education and training and research activities in the drug and alcohol and mental health sectors."

The MHC and DAO currently operate primarily as the purchaser of services across government. This proposal will strengthen the ability of the departments to negotiate and manage contracts.

The board of the DAO will continue to operate and be supported by the MHC until changes to the Alcohol and Drug Authority Act 1974 can be enacted to amalgamate the DAO and the MHC.

          Fact File

• Studies suggest that around 50 per cent of people with a mental illness also have a drug or alcohol problem

• These are logical steps in the provision of better government services and will improve service delivery, streamline processes, and ensure better transparency

Minister's Office - 6552 6900