The Age
March 23, 2006

In mental health terms, "asylum" is a sadly misunderstood word, most often conjuring images of 19th century madhouses, where people were sedated, restrained and left to languish until death. Such places were rarely sanctuaries, yet "sanctuary" is the word's true meaning. In its purest sense, an asylum is a place of refuge and shelter, somewhere that offers people respite from the difficulties of life, not permanent incarceration. It is therefore pleasing to learn that the Federal Government is taking seriously the need to look after citizens with psychiatric illnesses and has included in its plan for dealing with the crisis in mental health the idea of "safe houses".

March 22, 2006 - 5:54AM
The Age

Prime Minister John Howard has warned the states to pull their weight on mental health as the government puts the finishing touches on a reported $1.5 billion package.

Hi Paul
I could have had so much a better life if it weren’t for the family curse, my parents mental illness.

By Misha Schubert, Canberra
February 11, 2006

A $1.1 billion injection to improve Australia's medical services, and in particular to tackle the crisis in mental health, is at the core of a package of reforms thrashed out by state, territory and federal leaders yesterday.