Turning connection into action for mental health reform

There’s something really special about being in the same room with people who share a common purpose.

That’s what happened last Thursday, when we brought more than 80 of our member organisations together in Canberra for our Members Policy Forum (MPF). 

People had travelled from across the country, bringing different perspectives and priorities, but united by a commitment to improving mental health in Australia.

As I looked around the room, I was struck by the depth and breadth of our sector. We had organisations representing people with lived experience, their families, carers and kin, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, mental health professionals, and service providers working across community mental health, psychosocial disability, and child, family and youth mental health. The level of insight and expertise was extraordinary.

Coming together at this moment allowed us to reflect on the outcomes of the Federal Budget, take stock of the policy environment, share insights, and focus on what comes next. It was also a chance to connect with each other, as a sector and with government, and to turn that connection into action as we move into this next stage of mental health reform.

Highlights from the day included:

• A beautiful Welcome to Country from Aunty Serena Palm and valuable perspectives from Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
• Addresses from the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Mr. Henry Pike MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and the NDIS
• Updates from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• An overview of new national mental health reform initiatives, including the Medicare Mental Health Check‑In, headspace Plus, new Youth Specialist Care Centres and the establishment of the Australian Association of Peer Workers 
• A standout panel discussion on AI and mental health, exploring opportunities and risks
• A consultation session to help inform priorities for the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

Across the day, one message came through clearly: we are strongest when we speak with a united voice.

With negotiations for the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement on the horizon, having a clear and collective position, grounded in shared priorities and informed by people with lived experience of mental health challenges and their family, carers and kin, is how we can gain traction in this next stage of reform.

We left the event with a strong sense of shared purpose and renewed energy from being in a room with people who ‘get it’. Thank you to all our members and speakers who made the day such a powerful one.