Frank Quinlan, CEO, Mental Health Australia
We are pleased to announce Mr Frank Quinlan, CEO, Mental Health Australia as a Keynote Speaker at The 17th International Mental Health Conference to be held at the brand new Sea World Resort Conference Centre on the Gold Coast, QLD from the 11 -12 August 2016. He will be speaking on; ‘Mental Health in Australia - Where we are, how we got here, and where we need to go’.
Mental health reform has had a long and troubled history in Australia. While progress has been made, this has usually been hard won and often a case of "two steps forward, one step back".
Mental health reform remains in a tenuous state in Australia. Reforms like the National Disability Insurance Scheme; Primary Health Networks; Health Care Home; and, the Digital Gateway for mental health all have the potential to transform support for people who experience mental illness.
But if mental health reform is to be understood, we must also understand the factors that contribute to that reform. This presentation will briefly consider three such factors: public opinion, including consumer and carer activism; changing professional practice, including the impact of funding and contracting models; and, Government action, including political awareness and motivation.
Mental Health in Australia - Where we are, how we got here, and where we need to go
- How can it be that public opinion can be so misaligned with political action?
- How is it that professional practice can be so shaped by funding models?
- What is it that drives politicians to periodically act on mental health reform?
Having examined the current progress of reform, and some of the factors contributing to it, this presentation will make recommendations about what we can all do to ensure mental health reform makes good progress in the future.
Frank Quinlan is the CEO of Mental Health Australia, the peak body representing mental health organisations in Australia. Frank is responsible for implementing Mental Health Australia’s vision of "better mental health for all Australians".
Frank has a long history of working in the not-for-profit sector, having previously worked at Grassmere Youth Services, Tranmere Street Youth Refuge and the Australian Drug Foundation. He has also held senior positions with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia, the Australian Medical Association and Catholic Social Services Australia.
Frank has represented the interests of both his members and the sector on numerous government consultative panels and committees, including appointment to the Australian National Alcohol and Drug Advisory Committee.
Frank completed tertiary studies at both Monash University and Melbourne University and has previously been a guest lecturer in public policy programs at the Australian National University.
The 17th International Mental Health Conference; Guiding the Change will be held at the brand new Sea World Resort Conference Centre on the Gold Coast, QLD from the 11 -12 August 2016.
This conference will bring together leading clinical practitioners, academics, service providers and mental health experts to deliberate and discuss Mental Health issues confronting Australia and New Zealand.
The conference program will be designed to challenge, inspire, demonstrate and encourage participants while facilitating discussion. To register your attendance at the conference CLICK HERE.
