Canberra, 31 October 2019: The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) welcomes the draft report on mental health from the Productivity Commission recognising the important role that libraries play in supporting the mental health of their communities and libraries as a channel for government information.
Notably libraries were suggested as a possible outlet for a proposed consumer health campaign, informing the public about the availability of online mental health support. Additionally, public libraries were recognised for their role as a community resource and a safe space for all members of the community.
‘We are pleased to see that the Productivity Commission took note of ALIA’s submission and has responded to our comments about the vital role that libraries play in supporting the mental health of their communities,’ Sue McKerracher, ALIA CEO, said.
For Mental Health Australia’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2019, ALIA President Robert Knight OAM made a #MentalHealthPromise to ‘ensure that all staff know the importance of mental wellbeing at work’ and called for all library and information professionals to do the same.
About the Australian Library and Information Association
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.
With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au