Australia to Fund Mental Health Services

MELBOURNE, Australia Report - May 14, 1997 - The Victorian government would provide $1.4 million for mental health services across the state to improve the standard of care, Health and Aged Care Minister Rob Knowles said today. Mr Knowles said grants would be given to all providers of public mental health services, including hospitals and non-government agencies to help them meet mental health quality standards. "Service standards and quality assurance programs are essential to achieving high standard health care for people with a mental illness," Mr Knowles said in a statement. "All Victorians are entitled to quality mental health care, and the government is determined to ensure that the highest standard of care is provided." Mr Knowles said the grants follow a funding boost for mental health services in the April 29 state budget.