AUSTRALIA'S first mental health reform commission will be headed by David Cappo, a Catholic priest with a strong background in social reform.

Monsignor Cappo's first task will be to oversee the commission's preparation of the inaugural annual report card into the state of mental health and suicide prevention in Australia.

David Cappo.

Federal Mental Health Minister Mark Butler said Monsignor Cappo, a fellow South Australian who is that state's commissioner for social inclusion, had ''the knowledge and experience required to lead the commission, and drive the long-term reforms necessary to improve the lives of people with a mental illness''.

Monsignor Cappo said: ''The new commission will … allow us to properly measure and independently report on what is happening in Australia's mental health system - with the needs and experiences of consumers and carers placed at the very centre.''