Sending a united message for mental health reform

One of the things that gives me hope is seeing our sector come together.

As organisations representing diverse communities and interest groups, we don't always agree on every issue. That's healthy. Different perspectives make us stronger.

But right now, we are united on something that matters deeply: the future of Australia's mental health and suicide prevention system.

This week, three sector peak bodies – Mental Health Australia, Suicide Prevention Australia and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia – have come together to outline a shared vision for the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. You can read our media release here. 

As Ministers from Australian, State and Territory Governments prepare to meet later this year, we've outlined practical priorities for the next Agreement. 

We’re calling for: 

• stronger governance and accountability
• genuinely independent oversight
• equitable access to supports
• sustainable funding
• greater workforce investment
• improved ongoing services.

We’re sending a clear message to governments: the next Agreement cannot be business as usual. It needs to achieve better outcomes for people, families and communities across Australia.

The need for change is urgent. More than 3,000 people die by suicide each year. Mental health and substance use disorders are now the leading cause of poor health in Australia. And for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mental health and suicide prevention outcomes are worsening, reflecting persistent systemic inequities and ongoing gaps in access to culturally safe, accessible and effective care.

The current Agreement has helped deliver important new supports and services. But it hasn't achieved the level of system reform that people, families, carers and communities need and deserve.

As governments begin negotiations on the next Agreement, the coming months are critical. Governments have a unique opportunity to build a stronger, more accountable system that delivers better outcomes for everyone.

The next Agreement must be shaped by the priorities of the people it’s designed to support. 

Real reform means listening to people with lived experience, their families, carers and kin, and the mental health and suicide prevention sectors, to deliver the support people need to live well in their communities.

Every person deserves the right support, when and where they need it. The sector is ready to deliver, and united in our priorities. Now governments must match that commitment with sustainable funding, transparent accountability and genuine partnership to deliver the change we need.