Welcome to Mental Health Australia
As the national, independent peak body for the mental health sector, we unite the sector and advocate for policies that improve mental health.
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For over 25 years Mental Health Australia has advocated for mental health reform, and we continue to drive policy changes and proactively put mental health on the agenda.
What we do
Our strategy
We are the national, independent peak body for the mental health sector. We unite the voices of the mental health sector and advocate for policies that improve mental health.
Latest policy submissions
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20 November 2025Read moreMental Health Australia's Submission to the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee
Mental Health Australia was invited to provide a submission to the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, to inform their advice to the Australian Government ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget on economic inclusion and tackling disadvantage.Our submission highlights the importance of investment in mental health supports as crucial to both social and economic participation, and outlines specific recommendations to:1. Supercharge investment in mental health services and supports2. Ensure social safety nets are mental health responsive 3. Boost employment for people with mental health challenges 4. Intensify the focus on child developmental supports and mental health promotion and preventionThank you to the many members who informed this submission. - 31 July 2025Read more
Mental Health Australia's Submission in response to the interim report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement
Mental Health Australia was pleased to provide a submission in response to the interim report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. This response builds on our initial submission to this review, and is informed by a consultation workshop with Mental Health Australia members.The interim report provides a clear and valuable analysis of the shortcomings of the current National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and a useful start on a way forward for the next Agreement. Mental Health Australia strongly supports the majority of the Commission’s draft recommendations. However we are concerned the proposal for extension of the current Agreement risks further delaying urgent intergovernmental actions, particularly in addressing unmet need for psychosocial support, and does not allow appropriate time for development of a renewed National Mental Health Strategy. Mental Health Australia’s submission offers ten specific recommendations for consideration in the Productivity Commission’s final report. Our recommendations point to better balancing the need for urgent action and long-term reform, strengthening governance and accountability, considering the needs of priority population groups and improving sector sustainability through the next Agreement. - 29 July 2025Read more
NDIS Supports Rules Consultation
On Friday 25 July 2025, Mental Health Australia made a submission to the Australian Government’s consultation on the NDIS Supports Rules. The rules will determine which supports are and are not considered NDIS Supports, and therefore can or can not be purchased through a NDIS plan. Mental Health Australia’s submission calls for:Exercise physiology and personal wellbeing activities for the purpose of improving psychosocial functioning to be available through NDIS plansA transparent process to update both the lists of ‘Supports that are NDIS supports” and “Supports that are not NDIS Supports”Clarity around the provision of recovery-oriented supportConsistency in the interpretation of therapeutic supports for people with psychosocial disability.The submission builds on Mental Health Australia’s previous submission, and also refers the Australian Government to the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance’s submission as a critical contribution from a lived experience perspective. -
23 June 2025Read moreNDIS Incoming Government Brief
On Friday 20 June 2025, Mental Health Australia provided an Incoming Government Brief on psychosocial disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP and Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister.The brief acknowledges that while the NDIS has been life changing for many people with psychosocial disability, their family, carers and kin, it is clear that overall there is a need for a more tailored and effective use of the funding committed to the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability. The brief outlines practical solutions to deliver this approach and recommends priority actions for the first 100 days and first year of this government, informed by sector and lived experience expertise. Actions include introducing a new approach to NDIS support for people with psychosocial disability, getting navigation reforms right for people with psychosocial disability, understanding the recent decline in NDIS access rates, shifting from encouraging dependence to supporting recovery, ensuring psychosocial expertise is informing NDIS reforms and fixing NDIS pricing. The brief also discusses implementation of General Foundational Supports for people with psychosocial disability and addressing the unmet need for psychosocial support outside the NDIS.Read the full Incoming Government Brief by clicking on the PDF link below.
Latest media releases
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17 December 2025Read moreElection promises see progress but key mental health challenge left untouched
Mental Health Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s delivery of its $1.1 billion election mental health investment, along with a further $158 million to improve access to much-needed mental health supports, through today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). However, the national mental health peak body is disappointed to see no tangible action taken on providing much-needed psychosocial supports for people living with severe and moderate mental health challenges.“Despite clear advice from the sector, the Government has missed a key opportunity to act,” said Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski. “The mental health sector is united behind this issue; it is disappointing to see another opportunity to provide care for nearly half a million people pass us by.”Currently, around 500,000 people in Australia are missing out on essential psychosocial supports. These supports help people live well in the community and reduce pressure on an already stretched mental health system, including hospital-based supports. “We need stronger investment in community settings so people can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” said Ms Nikoloski.“MYEFO was the next chance to start addressing this urgent need, and the Government has not taken it. With the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement likely another 18 months away, we can’t afford to wait – people need support now.”Mental Health Australia released a Renewed Statement on Addressing Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support Outside the NDIS, in October 2025. Ms Nikoloski said: “This renewed Statement, developed in consultation with our members, outlines a practical pathway for governments to close the gap in psychosocial supports.” The Productivity Commission’s recent review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement reinforced the urgency, calling for immediate action on psychosocial supports. Yet, today’s MYEFO shows no sign of progress.“We need to see real change and collective action at the Health and Mental Health Ministers’ Meeting in February 2026. This issue must be front and centre.”While this has been a missed opportunity, the MYEFO announcement does show the Government is progressing in its election commitments to increase access to mental health services for young people and adults. Ms Nikoloski said: “The allocation of funding committed to in the election recognises the importance of improving access to affordable mental health care for people in Australia. This is critical for young people who are experiencing unprecedented rates of mental health challenges and complex care needs.” “These election investments mark another important step towards building a mental health system that is more responsive, inclusive and effective.”Mental Health Australia will continue to work with governments and the sector to ensure comprehensive action on mental health. -ENDS- Media contact:Caroline Illingworth, Mental Health Australia Senior Communications Manager - 0417037595mentalhealthaustralia.org.au -
9 October 2025Read moreNational mental health peak calls on Australians to “connect with your community” this World Mental Health Day
Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, and Australia’s national mental health peak body Mental Health Australia is calling for all people in Australia to take a moment to connect with their communities for good mental health.
Events
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5 March 2026Read moreMental Health Sector Expo
We invite members to partner with us for this exciting event to showcase the sector to federal parliamentarians and engage with elected representatives and policy makers on key mental health priorities. This event also provides a unique opportunity to network across the sector, with organisations invited to host a stall showcasing your services in local communities and impact. Further information will be available shortly. -
14 May 2026Read moreMembers Policy Forum
This event will provide an important opportunity to discuss Budget outcomes, identify forward priorities for mental health reform, and reflect on the Albanese government’s first 12 months in office since their re-election in May 2025. Registration and further information will be available in the new year.
Get involved
Become a member
Mental Health Australia prides itself on providing members with a range of benefits and value to advocate for lasting mental health reform.
Our membership brings together a diverse range of organisations from across Australia to be a strong voice on mental health reform and stigma reduction.
Make a donation
Make a difference by making a donation to Mental Health Australia.
Mental Health Australia is a registered charity and your tax deductible donations will enable us to continue to produce independent and innovative research.
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Including news, events and opportunities to get involved. As the national peak for mental health, Mental Health Australia is your go-to for trusted insights and insights and sector-wide advocacy.
Attend an event
Mental Health Australia holds a number of events for members and invited guests throughout the year.
Members are invited to these events via our membership database list, which is updated monthly.