Abstract
Aim: To inform Fellows on aspects of the work being carried out in the Commonwealth's Mental Health Branch.
Method: The goals, background and processes used in the Mental Health Branch are compared with the perspective of psychiatrists in private or public practice settings, and with the population-based approach in public health. The author's appointment in 1999 and again in 2000 as Clinical Adviser in Mental Health has provided this opportunity.
Findings: The Mental Health Branch continues to have outstanding leadership and administrative abilities. It is internationally recognised for the quality of its programmes, exemplified by its influential publications, the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being and the recent visit of the US Surgeon General. The Branch's broad strategy is to focus on three levels: the general population of all ages, with particular reference to mental health literacy, prevention and promotion; the mental health component in general practice and other areas of primary care; and specialist mental health services, both private and public. Some remarkable initiatives are already under way in each of these.