Health | mental health

The health and mental health needs of disadvantaged people require a strong primary health care system. People on lower income and experiencing multiple levels of disadvantage face numerous barriers in accessing the universal health care system. Mental Health is more than a confined medical or social issue. It has also become a critical economic issue for governments. The Queensland mental health system is overly reliant on institutional, medically based care, with limited availability of health promotion and prevention information, a lack of choice of treatment options, and a lack of capacity to engage in partnerships, including with other departments, non-government organisations, consumers and carers
Policy Paper Health Equity and Access
Aug 2011
Some people miss out on health services or access them too late for effective preventative intervention or treatment. More accessible and equitable access to health care benefits individuals, communities and society as a whole.
Policy Paper Mental Health
Sep 2011
Poor mental health is associated with a high level of distress and disability and contributes to social exclusion and isolation. This paper outlines QCOSS policy position in relation to the mental health of Queenslanders including key issues and recommendations for addressing those issues.
Policy Paper Oral Health
Jul 2011
Adequate oral health care is out of reach for many low income Queenslanders. Many disadvantaged groups are more at risk of poor oral health. This paper outlines the issues and makes recommendations for a more equitable oral health system.
Policy Paper Social Determinants of Health
Aug 2011
This paper outlines QCOSS' policy position in relation to the health of disadvantaged Queenslanders including the key issues and recommendations for addressing those issues.
Submission April 2010, Social Development Committee’s Inquiry into Addressing Cannabis-Related Harm in Queensland
Apr 2010
This submission outlines the key issues raised by the community services sector and recommended responses to cannabis use in Queensland.
Submission July 2009, Social Development Committee Inquiry into the prevention of chronic disease in Queensland
Jul 2009
The submission provides an overview of the health impacts of poverty and social exclusion in Queensland. It also identifies the need to address the social and economic conditions that cause ill health.
National Health Reform
Oct 2011
There are many opportunities for non-government community services to build relationships with Medicare Locals and Local Health and Hospital Networks to improve health planing and service delivery as well as identify gaps in the delivery of services.
Submission November 2010, Joint COSS Submission on Medicare Locals
Nov 2010
This submission responds to the Australian Government‟s paper Medicare Locals: Discussion Paper on Governance and Functions. It does not individually address the questions posed in the papers. Instead, it focuses on the implications of health reform for the non-government health and community services sector and the opportunities for government and the sector to work together to build a better primary health care system.
State Election 2006 Paper 5 Health and Mental Health
Aug 2006
Useful Links to External Resources - Health
May 2011
Useful Links to External Resources - Mental Health
May 2011