The Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health
The submission to the Productivity Commission in relation to its inquiry into the social and economic benefits of improving mental health was prepared by the Law Council.
This submission is divided into the following two distinct sections:
- Part I addresses questions relating to the intersection between mental health and the justice system; and
- Part II provides input on the legal profession, and how it has responded to challenges relating to mental health within its membership.
A significant part of this submission has been informed by the findings of the Law Council’s review into the state of access to justice in Australia, the Justice Project.
From early 2017, until the release of the Final Report of the Justice Project in August 2018, the Law Council undertook a comprehensive national review into the state of access to justice in Australia for people experiencing significant disadvantage. The Justice Project was overseen by an expert steering group led by the former Chief Justice of the High Court, the Hon. Robert French AC.
Through the Justice Project, the Law Council sought to shine a light on the justice issues experienced by 13 priority groups identified as facing significant social and economic disadvantage by uncovering systemic flaws and identifying service gaps.
Perspectives, conclusions and case studies arising from the Justice Project, as they relate to mental health in the justice sector, are used throughout this submission.
You can read the full submission below.
Last Updated on 23/04/2019