CEO Update: It’s time to address the urgent gap in psychosocial supports
4 December 2024
CEO Message
It’s time to address the urgent gap in psychosocial supports
This week marks International Day of People with Disability, where we celebrate the rights and achievements of people with disability. This year’s theme – Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future – reflects how critical the leadership of people with lived experience of psychosocial disability is to reshaping Australia’s psychosocial support systems.
Earlier this week Mental Health Australia released a Statement on Addressing Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support Outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This statement makes clear to governments the sector’s expectations and the way forward to address the critical shortage in psychosocial supports.
This statement responds to analysis for governments released in August this year, which identified that there are almost half a million people in Australia who need psychosocial supports outside of the NDIS, but who don’t have access to them.
This unmet need has a significant impact on the wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill-health, and their family, carers and supporters, and is a missed opportunity for investment in a well-functioning and efficient mental health system.
Psychosocial supports help people in their personal recovery and to connect with what’s important to them. Psychosocial supports also enable family, carers and supporters to participate in employment and engage with the community. They are a critical part of a holistic mental health support system – complementing clinical supports, and reducing reliance on more intensive interventions such as hospitalisation.
Our statement draws on the diverse experience of more than 80 representatives of 57 of Mental Health Australia member organisations taking part in the Mental Health Australia Members Psychosocial Network, including the two new lived experience peak bodies, the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia. It is a call to action for Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to come together to address the unmet need for psychosocial supports.
Firstly, we’re calling for the Commonwealth Government to immediately extend psychosocial supports due to cease on 30 June 2025, through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) process.
Secondly, in the 2025-26 budgets we’re urging Commonwealth and State and Territory governments to expand existing psychosocial supports, grow workforce capacity, improve commissioning capability and consult on the design of future supports outside the NDIS.
Finally, we’re calling on governments to agree to a five-year plan to increase investment in psychosocial supports outside the NDIS, through a 50:50 cost sharing arrangement and delivered through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which recognises and addresses the differing unmet needs between jurisdictions.
This statement sets out our recommendations on what governments should do both now, and in the longer-term, to implement what we know works. It encourages governments to leverage existing services infrastructure, and commissioning and governance mechanisms to meet need, while allowing for local variation and flexibility that enables commissioning processes and service responses that are tailored to local communities.
We also ask governments, in implementing their response to the unmet need analysis, to consider other reforms, such as the response to the NDIS Review’s recommendations on foundational supports and the development of a psychosocial early intervention pathway.
I sincerely thank our psychosocial network members for your input into the development of this statement, and for your collaboration and commitment to positive advocacy for system reform in this important area.
I look forward to continuing to work with both our members and the Government to together address this gap so that all people, families and communities across Australia can access the psychosocial supports they need.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week
- Today I am meeting with Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Centre for Community Child Health. I am also attending the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Readiness Checklist Webinar.
- On Thursday I am meeting with the State and Territory mental health peak bodies.
- On Monday the Mental Health Australia policy team will be attending the National Disability Insurance Agency Disability Representative and Carers Organisation Forum.
We're hiring! Applications are invited for our new Senior Policy Officer role
Mental Health Australia is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to help us advocate for mental health reform, drive policy changes and proactively put mental health on the agenda.
The position plays a key role developing strategies, policies and projects on a range of mental health issues and assisting in managing and delivering outputs as part of Mental Health Australia’s dedicated Policy, Advocacy, Communications and Events Team.
This is a unique opportunity to work with us to unite voices across the mental health sector, and advocate for policies that improve mental health for all Australians as part of a respected national member-based organisation.
The role is Canberra-based, with remote work from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane also considered.
Applications close 12 December 2024.
For more information and to apply, click on the button below.
Mental Health News
Government's response to Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The Australian Government has released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. The Government has accepted the overwhelming majority of the Royal Commission's 122 recommendations.
Statement to Parliament by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health
The Hon. Emma McBride MP discussed the Government's mental health reforms, including the introduction of a new national early intervention service, expansion of headspace services, and the establishment of two new national mental health lived experience peaks, and Medicare Mental Health Centres.
Arts therapists concerned for vulnerable clients as NDIS funding changes without consultation
There are ongoing concerns for changes to access to Art Therapy through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) advised the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) on Monday 25 November that arts therapy would not be continued as a Therapy Support in the NDIS after 2 December 2024.
Update 2 December 2024: After considerable lobbying, the NDIA changed its advice in a statement on 26 November to allow continuation of Art Therapy under Therapy Supports until February 1, 2025. ANZACATA says the NDIA statement leaves many questions unanswered and it is still continuing to seek answers and explanation.
Australian Music Therapy Association (ATMA) and NDIS participants and families speak on proposed funding cuts
ATMA's President joined NDIS participants, their families and music therapy professionals at Parliament House to discuss proposed Federal Government cuts to funding, which were revealed in a leak from the NDIA, without consultation and are despite the evidence case.
SANE urges NDIS to pause changes to music and art therapy funding
NDIS Minister the Hon. Bill Shorten MP has announced potential changes to the way art and music therapies are funded under the NDIS, reducing funding by 64% if certain criteria are not met, with an out-of-pocket gap to be passed along to participants. The DAX Centre, a subsidiary of SANE Australia, is a leader in the use of art to raise awareness and reduce stigma towards mental illness and psychological trauma.
See SANE's media release (attached) to learn more.
Additional $110 million investment in NDIS fraud prevention
NDIS participants receiving support through the world-leading reform are now better protected thanks to further $110.4 million investment from the Australian Government in the Crack Down on Fraud program.
Championing the voices and leadership of Australians with disability on International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)
IDPwD promotes greater community understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and recognises their experiences, achievements and contributions. Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, encouraged reflection on how we can make our communities and environments more accessible and inclusive.
National Redress Scheme report released
The Joint Standing Committee on the Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has tabled its report, Redress: Journey to Justice, following its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme. The Committee's unanimous findings highlight barriers to access that need to be addressed to ensure no further harm is done to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
Australian Government welcomes blueprint for the not-for-profit sector
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon. Andrew Leigh MP, says the Australian Government is committed to being a partner to Australia's charities and not-for-profits as he welcomed the delivery of the Not‑for‑profit Sector Development Blueprint. Developed by the Blueprint Expert Reference Group, the document will help the sector set its own direction and inform government's ongoing work to boost sector capacity and capability. It sets out the Expert Reference Group's priorities over the next decade.
Butterfly Foundation announces new national taskforce to address social media’s impact on body image and eating disorders
Butterfly Foundation has announced the launch of a new national taskforce to tackle the growing challenges posed by social media in relation to body image and eating disorders, especially relating to young people, and in response to mounting concerns about the harmful effects of social media on mental health and wellbeing, particularly body image and eating disorders, and need for coordinated, national-level action.
Prevention is better than cure with landmark passage of preventive health law (SA)
Legislation has passed in South Australia's Parliament that enshrines preventive health as a key part of the state's health system. The Preventive Health SA Bill 2024 is the first of its kind in South Australia, recognising preventive health as a crucial area of health policy with a permanent place in the state's health system. Preventive Health SA consolidates key prevention functions in a single agency including obesity prevention, mental health, suicide prevention and the determinants of health as priority areas.
$235 million for alcohol and other drug services (NSW)
The New South Wales Government is boosting support and treatment with $224 million in funding to enhance health services over four years. $78 million will be allocated to Local Health Districts, specialty health networks and a non-government organisation across the Sydney metropolitan area, targeted to meet the unique needs of priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, and people with mental health conditions.
National preventive mechanism funding increase essential (TAS)
Greens MP Cecily Rosol says the Greens echo statements from the Tasmanian National Preventive Mechanism Richard Connock, who has called for funding to adequately fulfill his office's important work preventing torture and ill-treatment in residential health and care settings, including in mental health facilities.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
Today! Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Readiness Checklist Webinar
The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) is hosting a webinar on its recently released Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Readiness Checklist. This webinar is organised and held by the NMHCCF Mental Health Peer Workforce Working Group.
When: 12:00-1:00pm AEDT, Wednesday 4 December 2024
Where: Online via Zoom.
Find our more about the webinar and register at the button below.
New consultation: Review of Primary Health Network Business Model and Mental Health Flexible Funding Model
The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking feedback from consumers, frontline health practitioners, commissioned service providers and other interested parties about their experiences with the PHN Program, part of a review examining the PHN Program business model and ensuring the Program is structured to meet Government objectives of:
- improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for people, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes;
- improving the coordination of health services and increasing access and quality support for people.
Responses can be provided via a written submission, until 11:59PM AEDT, 22 January 2025.
New consultation: Measuring the contribution of unpaid care in Australia
The Australian Government is funding the Australian Bureau of Statistics to help develop more accurate insights on the contribution carers make to Australia, with the commencement of a three-month consultation on the best approach to measuring the labour contribution of unpaid carers.
Feedback will guide the development and refinement of more detailed experimental estimates to be published in mid-2025.
This consultation is open until 28 February 2025.
Closing soon! Consultation on draft national standards for counsellors and psychotherapists
Don't forget to have your say in the Department of Health and Aged Care's consultation to draft, test and refine a set of national standards for the counselling and psychotherapy professions. The draft national standards are now available for review and feedback at the department's Consultation Hub at the button below.
Consultation closes on Friday 13 December 2024.
Reminder: Australian Government grant opportunity forecast
Mental Health Program – Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Round 2
The Department of Health and Aged Care has forecast an opportunity for grant funding through the Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program, and released draft grant opportunity guidance.
The grant is intended to support higher education providers who have created additional postgraduate psychology places in courses which lead to general registration and can lead to relevant areas of practice endorsement. Funding will be available over 4 grant rounds, with one round opening each financial year from 2023-24 to 2026-27. Eligible organisations will be required to apply for each individual round as they become available on GrantConnect.
Read more at the GrantConnect website at the button below.
Update on NDIS legislation changes – frequently asked questions
There have recently been changes to the NDIS Act. From 3 October 2024 the most important changes included:
- participants can only use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports
- new and reviewed plans will show total budget amounts, funding component amounts, and funding periods
- the NDIA can change plan management type if people need help managing their funds.
Information about these changes is available on the NDIS website, including frequently asked questions.
Have your say: Consultations underway to inform design and delivery of Foundational Supports
Foundational Supports are additional supports for people with disability. They will sit alongside the NDIS and existing services in the community.
The Australian Government wants to hear from people with disability, parents, families and the sector to help design Foundational Supports.
There will be different types of Foundational Supports. The Department of Social Services is starting consultation on just some of these supports, called general supports. These are for all people with disability aged under 65. Depending on your interests, you can join discussions about supports like:
- information and advice
- self-advocacy
- peer supports
- capacity building.
The consultation has been extended to 5 December 2024. Have your say by:
- adding to an online ideas wall
- completing an online questionnaire or uploading a submission
- attending an event online.
Visit www.engage.dss.gov.au/Foundational-Supports to have your say or for more information.
Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024: additional transcripts from recent committee hearings
Additional transcripts of hearings of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee – Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 are now available, including comments by Mental Health Australia member headspace.
Access the transcripts at the button below.
Wellbeing at Work: Cultures of Support and Connection in the Pacific Region webinar now available for viewing!
This webinar is now available for viewing at the World Federation for Mental Health website. Other webinars are also available on topics including women's mental health.
Learn more and access these webinars at the button below.
Get in quick! Funding opportunity for Queensland charities closing soon
Charities have less than a month to submit funding applications to two Queensland Gives funding programs to help support their operations and invest in new projects in 2025. Queensland Gives is the only inclusive state-wide community foundation seeking to meet the social needs of Queensland into the future, and supports over two hundred charitable organisations each year through its distribution of income and grant-making.
Applications close on 13 December, with more than $5 million available across both streams.
Projects helping youth, women and families at risk are a particular focus for these rounds.
Don't forget to share: Butterfly Foundation body dissatisfaction and appearance-related discrimination survey
Butterfly Foundation has commissioned KPMG to undertake a study on the costs to the Australian economy caused by body dissatisfaction and appearance-related discrimination. The project includes a survey to hear about experiences of body dissatisfaction and the impacts of appearance-related discrimination.
The survey is open to all people in Australia aged 16 or over, and should take around 15 minutes to complete. Please share with your networks to help fill gaps in the existing literature and uncover the true impact of appearance ideals.
Access the survey at the button below.
Prevention United's National Youth Survey data released
Prevention United has released the results of its 2024 Youth Survey in its Youth Survey: Be part of the ripple – Listening to the voices that matter! report. 589 young Australians aged 16–25 responded to the survey, designed by the Prevention United Youth Advisory Group, on the factors that impact their mental health, the activities they're most likely engage in to improve their mental health, and what they think can be done by government to improve the mental health of young Australians.
Recruitment for Prevention United's Youth Ambassadors Group in 2025
Prevention United is recruiting for their Youth Ambassadors Group. They’re looking for a group of young people who are passionate about youth mental health to shape their work advocating to the government. To be eligible, participants must be aged 16-25 and live in Victoria, be able to attend in-person monthly meetings in Melbourne, and available to participate in Group activities throughout 2025, including a two-day Summer intensive on 15-16 January 2025.
Australian Society of Psychological Medicine: Professional Peer Reflection Groups 2025
Registrations have opened for the Australian Society of Psychological Medicine's (ASPM) 2025 Professional Peer Reflection Groups.
Since 2015, ASPM has been at the forefront of promoting reflective practice. They have successfully organised peer reflection groups and continue to provide training for group facilitators who now lead professional groups throughout Australia.
An early bird rate is on offer for registration before 20 December 2024. Learn more at the button below.
Orygen: Help improve professional development for the youth mental health workforce
Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, is seeking to understand the learning needs of the youth mental health workforce in a short survey.
Mental health professionals who work with young people aged 12 to 25 are invited to help shape the future of professional development in youth mental health in The THRIVE Project: Exploring self-directed learning in youth mental health workforce survey. Survey participants can also win a $100 gift voucher.
The survey closes 25 January 2025 and can be accessed at the button below.
University of Melbourne: Seeking mental health prevention professionals
Survey of Community Attitudes to Prevention of Mental Health Problems
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are conducting a survey to understand community attitudes to the prevention of mental health problems, and actions taken to support mental health. Professionals with expertise in mental health prevention in practice, healthcare, policy, or research settings are invited to take part in an online survey to help identify ways to improve attitudes to prevention in Australia. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes.
For more information, please contact Ellie Tsiamis ellie.tsiamis@unimelb.edu.au or Professor Nicola Reavley nreavley@unimelb.edu.au, or click the button below.
National Care and Support Sector Conference, 25 July 2025, Perth
The National Care and Support Sector Conference brings the Disability, Aged Care, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education and Care and Veterans' Care sectors together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for providers at a time of rapid reform.
The conference aims to gather insights that will help shape reform, ensuring the voices of sector leaders, providers, and individuals with lived experience are heard at the highest policy-making levels.
Learn more at the button below.
Featured Members
Mental Health Community Coalition ACT
MHCC ACT is the peak body representing the community managed mental health sector in the ACT. Our aim is to foster the capacity of the sector to deliver quality, sustainable, recovery-oriented services to support people with mental health issues and their carers.
The PHN Cooperative serves as a single point of contact for the PHN Network and facilitates activities and engagement beyond what individual PHNs can do at a local level. PHNs are uniquely placed to meet the needs of all Australians and play a key role in supporting Australians to lead healthy, productive and connected lives by applying a population health approach.
The role of PHNs is to commission a range of place based, contextually appropriate services. This includes identifying needs, assessing current services, and developing solutions to fill priority gaps in primary and community care services for Australians; in particular issues relating to health equity and access.
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