The Productivity Commission’s mammoth report into the good and bad of the nation’s mental health system reinforces a point the AMA has been making for decades — reform is essential.

Despite the report’s flaws, particularly its failure to grasp the complexities of the GP referral process, it succeeds in making very clear that we need to shift the system to a patient-centred model of care with a stronger focus on prevention.

We welcome this, as well as its acknowledgement of the importance of housing and employment in supporting recovery, and the need for mentally healthy workplaces.

Unfortunately, as evidenced by many of the Australian Doctor comments, there are problems with the some of the key recommendations.