The SA Mental Health Commission (SAMHC) was established by the State Government in October 2015 under the SA Public Sector Act 2009.
The Commission’s key initial task is to lead the development of South Australia’s new Mental Health Strategic Plan which will look at how South Australians can strengthen their mental health and wellbeing and access quality care and support when required.
Mental illness is common and statistics show that an estimated 1 in 2 Australian adults will experience mental illness in their lifetime.
That’s why the Commission is committed to strengthening the mental health and wellbeing of South Australians.
The Commission is taking a whole-of-person, whole-of-life, whole-of-community and whole-of-government approach to the Plan and in all its work. It also ensures people with lived experience of mental illness, their families, friends and carers are at the centre of its work.
Other key tasks of the Commission include coordinating the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan; engaging with the mental health sector and the community to promote the sharing of knowledge on mental health issues and breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness.
The Commission is uniquely placed to work in strong partnership with people with lived experience and their carers, the community, service providers, government, non-government and private organisations, industry, clinicians, and academic institutions. The Commission also works across government agencies including housing, health, education, employment, justice and disability.
The Commission also ensures SA has a strong voice on the national level and our Commissioner represents South Australia when the National Mental Health Commission and the state Mental Health Commissions meet.
The SA Mental Health Commission is not a mental health service provider and does not have a formal role in individual complaints or concerns about services.