Unified sector priorities for Ministers’ meeting 

Mental Health Australia has been joined by 80 mental health organisations across the country calling for Health and Mental Health Ministers to take serious action at the Ministers’ meeting this Friday. 

Our joint Statement of Priorities, released on Monday, outlines priority actions and next steps for Australian, State and Territory Governments to implement immediately to improve access to mental health supports. 

This is the first national meeting of Health and Mental Health Ministers in years, and a crucial opportunity ahead of upcoming state and federal elections to develop bold reform that will make real change for people needing mental health support in Australia. 

Together with our member signatories, we’re calling on Australian, State and Territory Governments to come together to address the gap in mental health services between primary care and acute and emergency services. 

As the first steps and outcomes from this meeting, we’re calling on Ministers to:  

1. Publicly release the national Analysis of Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support outside the NDIS, and recommend to National Cabinet a co-funding agreement to fully address unmet need for psychosocial support 
2. Commit to ongoing twice-yearly mental health minister meetings 
3. Commit to a national accord to co-fund a system of mental health supports bridging primary and acute care 

The Statement further outlines agreed actions across priority areas including system reform and integration, psychosocial supports, workforce development, and infant, child and youth services. 

Mental health conditions and substance use disorders were the leading cause of poor health in Australia in 2023 (26 per cent of non-fatal “burden of disease”). Currently Government investment is simply not matching this level of need, with governments spending only 7 per cent of total health expenditure on mental health in 2020-2021. 

Collective action from governments is needed to address this trend, increasing both preventive efforts and access to mental health treatment and supports. 

Governments have already agreed through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement on areas of shared responsibility for change – and have the opportunity to now deliver a new collaborative approach to mental health that provides better outcomes for people, families and communities and more efficient use of health resources.  

Mental Health Australia is pleased to have so many members collaborate with us on this Statement, which provides such a powerful demonstration of the unity across the sector on the priorities for action. 

We look forward to continuing to work with our members and governments to implement change following the Ministers’ meeting this Friday.

Carolyn Nikoloski

CEO, Mental Health Australia 

The diary next week

• Today I am meeting with SANE Australia, the Co-Chairs of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum, and the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance. I am also attending a briefing session with the Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, along with other Disability and Carer Representative Organisations.
• On Thursday I am attending the Mental Health Australia Board meeting, and am meeting with the National Ethnic Disability Alliance.
• On Monday I am attending a Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Regional Health event at Parliament House. 
• On Tuesday I am meeting with the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon. Emma McBride MP.

You are invited to join Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI) and Mental Health Australia’s live broadcast event to discuss national mental health reform, drawing on global insights to drive meaningful change. 

Date: Thursday 22 August 
Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM (AEST) 
Location: Online
Register: Click the button below to register

This online broadcast will feature a keynote presentation from international guest Chuck Ingoglia as he shares his experiences driving reform as President and CEO of the US’s peak mental health body National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Chuck will provide insights and lessons learned from the organisation’s work in developing 500 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across 48 states nationwide. 

Following the keynote presentation, a panel discussion will explore the parallels between this model and our national Medicare Mental Health Centre and Victorian Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre programs. This is an opportunity to understand how lessons from the US can be applied locally and explore potential solutions to advance our mental health reform efforts.  

The panel, facilitated by Carolyn Nikoloski, CEO of Mental Health Australia, will include:

• Tramaine EL-Amin, President, Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
• Tom Dalton, CEO, Neami National 
• Ingrid Ozols AM, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Consultant
• Dr Rahul Khanna, Program Director (Clinical), Transforming Trauma Victoria

Please register to secure your spot as places are limited.

If you have any questions, please reach out to communications@mhfa.com.au.

Mental Health Australia is delighted to announce a Mental Health Sector Expo - co-hosted with Parliamentary Friends groups - and we invite members to join us at Parliament House on Wednesday 9 October.

In one of the last federal parliamentary sitting weeks of 2024, the Expo’s purpose is to provide access and opportunities for members to showcase your organisation to federal parliamentarians, feature sector achievements, and promote the availability of mental health supports and services in local electorates.

There are limited spots for an exclusive opportunity to book a display space to showcase your organisation to MPs and Senators on the eve of World Mental Health Day.

Attendance is free for Mental Health Australia members.

Members wishing to book a display space are asked to make an $80 contribution per organisation to assist with event costs and to secure their space and equipment.

Event essentials:

Time/date: 9am – 1pm (AEDT), Wednesday 9 October 
Venue: Mural Hall, Parliament House, Canberra

See attached flyer for more information.

Secure your spot now! Bookings close COB Tuesday 27 August.

To RSVP and book a display space please click on the button below to complete the registration form. 

Open Tender Opportunity - Embrace Multicultural Mental Health

Mental Health Australia is seeking a partner to deliver a report on the State of Mental Health for Multicultural Australia.

In May 2023, the Commonwealth Government announced a funding allocation through Mental Health Australia and the Embrace Multicultural Mental Health Project (Embrace Project) for the delivery of a report on the State of Mental Health for Multicultural Australia. The current state of mental health in multicultural Australia is relatively unknown. Due to the absence of contemporary academic literature and formal reports on the topic, it is largely reliant upon anecdotal reports. The report on the State of Mental Health in Multicultural Australia will help to address this gap. The report will align with the Australian Government’s commitment to improving mental health supports for priority population groups, including multicultural communities and improving access and equity for people seeking mental health services. 

This is an open tender process; all submissions must be received no later than 5:00pm (AEST) on 26 August 2024.

For more information of this opportunity and tender documentation, please click on the button below. For any queries, please email multicultural@mhaustralia.org before 22 August 2024, 12:00pm AEST.

Mental Health Australia has been joined by 80 mental health organisations across the country calling for Health and Mental Health Ministers to take serious action at the Ministers’ meeting on 16 August. In a joint Statement of Priorities released on Monday, the mental health sector has outlined priority actions and next steps for Australian, State and Territory Governments to implement immediately to improve access to mental health supports.

Emergency cash payments found to have positive impact on vulnerable young Australians

A University of Sydney study has found that Australian government emergency cash payments, like JobKeeper, significantly helped young adults with pre-existing mental health disorders during the pandemic. Its findings can be built on to inform future crisis support plans about the importance of financial aid.

Ministerial Statement: Government response to Final Report of the Disability Royal Commission

Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, outlines the Australian Government response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability, implementing reform in response to the recommendations, and Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

Fund GPs to complete NDIS paperwork

The Federal Government's response to the Disability Royal Commission shows governments can improve access to services for people with a disability through support for multidisciplinary teams and by ensuring general practice is properly funded. While the response to the Disability Royal Commission is welcome, the number of fully supported recommendations is disappointing, and all levels of government must ensure patients' usual general practice can help them navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) said.

Have your say on Australia’s Disability Strategy

The Albanese Labor Government is calling for public feedback as part of the review of Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031. Stating they want to build a more inclusive Australia for people with disability, in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Welcome investment to increase dementia respite programs

Dementia Australia welcomes the $8 million investment by the Albanese Government to expand the delivery of innovative respite support programs for Australians living with dementia and their carers. Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, said high-quality respite services are vital to maintaining the wellbeing of carers and those living with dementia.

Academy of Health & Medical Sciences welcomes Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Australian Government's establishment of the Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group (CHEAG). This initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding public health from the adverse effects of climate change. AAHMS

Strengthening vital social connections in the community (VIC)

The Allan Labor Government continues to establish support networks across the state to help Victorians combat loneliness by building connections in their local communities and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt announced that five more Social Inclusion Action Groups (SIAGs) will be established in Brimbank, Greater Geelong, Whittlesea, Mildura and Ballarat. 

Supporting men to build friendships and communities (VIC)

The Allan Labor Government is supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities with grants to build and improve men's sheds in Victoria. Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence today visited Lalor & District Men's Shed to announce the opening of applications for the 2024-25 Men's Shed Funding Program grants.

See attached media release.

NSW Government launches Parliamentary Inquiry to look at impacts of loneliness (NSW)

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to support the wellbeing of the people of New South Wales, with a Parliamentary Inquiry into the rising issue of loneliness across the state to begin this year. Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson has written to Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues, the Hon Dr. Sarah Kaine, to request the Committee undertake an Inquiry into Loneliness in New South Wales.

Australians for Mental Health welcomes Parliamentary Inquiry into loneliness impacts (NSW)

Australians for Mental Health has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s decision to launch a Parliamentary Inquiry into the rising issue of loneliness across the state. The inquiry, which will begin later this year, will examine the extent and causes of loneliness in the state, identify who is most at risk, and find possible steps to reduce the prevalence and impact.

Community encouraged to have their say ahead of Social Media Summit (NSW)

Premier Chris Minns said the NSW Government is inviting members of the community to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding social media use ahead of the Social Media Summit, at which Frances Haugen, meta whistleblower and advocate for accountability and transparency in social media, will be a keynote speaker. The two-day summit, a joint initiative between the NSW Government and Government of South Australia, will take place in Sydney on October 10 and in Adelaide on October 11.

A brighter future for seniors under latest strategy (QLD)

Senior Queenslanders will have better access to the services they need under the Miles Government's new Seniors Strategy. Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen joined older residents at the Caloundra Seniors Expo to announce the Age-friendly Queensland: the Queensland Seniors Strategy 2024-29.

NSW Suicide Prevention Legislation – Sector Survey

Suicide Prevention Australia is undertaking consultations, on behalf of the NSW Government, concerning the NSW Suicide Prevention Act. This is new legislation the NSW Government is introducing to help prevent suicide. 

The NSW Suicide Prevention Act aims to establish a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention. It seeks to ensure collective responsibility, accountability, and action towards suicide prevention across government.   

What’s the opportunity? 

Suicide Prevention Australia is conducting consultations to ensure people with a diverse range of experiences and expertise have input into the development of the NSW Suicide Prevention Act. One way we are doing this is through a sector-wide survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NSWlegislation.  

This survey asks for feedback on the proposed aims and elements of the new legislation.   

Who should participate? 

If you work in the suicide prevention sector, or you are someone with lived experience of suicide, we would very much value your participation in the survey. We would also value your participation if you are part of an organisation that works alongside the suicide prevention sector. 

How do I participate? 

To complete the survey, click on the button below. The Survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. It closes on 30 September.

How do I find out more about the new legislation? 

If you would like to know more about the new NSW Suicide Prevention Act, you can find more information at this link: NSW Suicide Prevention Legislation | NSW Government. 

Consultation open on draft lists of NDIS Supports

The Department of Social Services has opened a public consultation on draft lists of what is and is not a NDIS Support. This is related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 that is currently before Parliament. If passed, this Bill enables the provision of transitional rules about what is and is not a NDIS support, until the Commonwealth and States and Territories formally agree on a new rule to replace it. The Department of Social Services says the intention is to “provide greater certainty and empower participants to make better, more informed decisions about the right supports for them”.

The consultation is open until 18 August 2024 and you can find out more on the DSS engage website: https://engage.dss.gov.au/consultation-on-draft-lists-of-ndis-supports/

Mental Health Australia will be making a submission, for more information contact policy@mhaustralia.org

Advocacy Brief: Sexual Safety of Consumers in Mental Health Inpatient Units

The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum’s (NMHCCF) Advocacy Working Group has published its Advocacy Brief on the Sexual Safety of Consumers in Mental Health Inpatient Units, which you can view here: Sexual Safety of Consumers in Mental Health Inpatient Units (nmhccf.org.au).

Significant consultation with members of the NMHCCF was done to produce this work, including an online consultation on July 10 as well as the circulation of a survey. The Advocacy Working Group would like to thank all those who were involved in this project and provided input. It would also like to thank the NMHCCF Secretariat and the following esteemed members of the Advocacy Working Group:

• Rosalyn Havard (Carer Co-Chair and NMHCCF NT Carer Representative),
• Lyn English (Consumer Co-Chair and NMHCCF SA Consumer Representative),
• Monica Hastings (NMHCCF TAS Consumer Representative), and
• Eileen McDonald (NMHCCF NSW Carer Representative).

The NMHCCF would greatly appreciate if you could circulate the Advocacy Brief to your networks. Questions or comments can be emailed to ebenezer.swan@mhaustralia.org

Closing soon: 2024 ANU-ALIVE National Lived-Experience Priorities Study

A reminder that the 2024 ANU-ALIVE National Lived-Experience Priorities Study is closing soon, but there’s still time to contribute! 

The ALIVE National Centre HUB Team is eager to hear from young people (aged 16-25) living with mental ill-health, as well as their carers, family, and kinship groups. There are four ways to contribute: an online survey, photo interview, crowd sourcing and emotion mapping. Click the button below to participate.

The ethical aspects of this project have been approved by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol H/2024/0495).

Young Minds: Our Future is the Third Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

It will provide updated national prevalence data on how many children and young people experience mental health difficulties and how these impact young people. It's been 10 years since the last national survey, Young Minds Matter, and a lot has changed. Results will be used to determine how to enhance the well-being of young Australians including service delivery. The youth are our future and we must invest in them.

We want to ensure the perspectives of young people, their families, and those with lived experience are embedded in this work. We seek young people 16-24y, and parents/carers of children aged 4-17 to partner with us on formal advisory groups.

Youth Advisory Group Expression of Interest (ages 16-24)

https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.co/jfe/form/SV_b4qiBRkMI6zaJn0

Parent /Carer Advisory Group Expression of Interest

https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vUpjph0BVWoNng

The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research is conducting this study in partnership with Curtin University and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

First Steps to Eating Disorder Support - training for non-clinical workers

This training is aimed to support workers in non-clinical roles who are not providing medical, clinical or therapeutic eating disorder treatment. After completing this training, we think you will: have a better understanding of eating disorders, have gained the knowledge and skills to support clients with an eating disorder through early identification and appropriate referrals, have the appropriate language to assist clients & be able to break down eating disorder stigma in the community.

The training is free, can be delivered in person or online, and goes for 1 hour - 1.5 hours (with lived experience guests speaker). 

Learn The Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies - 6 week online course

Discover how psychedelic medicine is reshaping mental health treatment. Learn the science, clinical applications, and protocols to stay at the forefront of this emerging field.

The team at Mind Medicine Australia are excited to announce they are partnering with Drug Science to update their online course, the Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies.

The course runs over 6 weeks, from October 6 to November 10. It will be delivered live on Sundays (European mornings/Australian evenings), by a faculty made up of leaders in the psychedelic field from Australia, Europe and the Americas, with recordings available in case you cannot attend the live sessions. You will receive lifetime access to the recordings.

In addition to the basics of psychedelic-assisted therapies, you’ll learn about the history, science, foundations of safe and responsible practice and regulations surrounding access in Australia and overseas.

Suicide prevention research opportunity for young people

Youth suicide is a growing problem in Australia. There is increasing recognition that brief interventions and strategies may be an important aspect of a comprehensive treatment strategy in emergency departments.

In a joint project between Deakin University and Monash Health, our team is developing a text message intervention program to support young people who are discharged from an emergency department after presenting with risk of suicide.

We are currently looking for the final 10 young people aged 16-24 to complete our survey to help us develop this intervention. If you are aged 16-24 and have presented to an ED for suicide-related concerns as a teenager, or know someone with this experience, please consider completing our survey or passing on.

Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in an interview.

Interview participants will receive a $50 gift voucher.

R U OK? encourages year-round conversations: Ask R U OK? Any Day

A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.

That’s why R U OK? is calling on everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day. New research has found 90% of people who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected and cared about. By checking in regularly with the people close to you, you can help prevent small things from becoming big things.

R U OK?Day is Thursday 12 September but you can Ask R U OK? Any Day.

Visit ruok.org.au for free tips and tools to build the R U OK? message across your year.

#RUOKAnyDay #RUOK

2024 Rural Mental Health Conference

Cairns, Qld 6th – 8th November, mark the dates in your calendar now for this year’s Rural Mental Health Conference.

This event is the place to be if you work in mental or allied health within rural and remote communities or with companies that support better mental health outcomes for rural communities.

Register now for the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health

Take advantage of early bird pricing today and save up to 25% on your In-Person Full registration!

Spanning three days, the Conference main program will be offered over eleven concurrent streams each day.

The diverse range of topics covered in each stream will explore the intersection between social workers and Health and Mental Health care.

Blending keynote and featured speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions and workshops, the Conference program will bring forward new concepts, discuss existing practices and give attendees the most up to date subject knowledge available.

Share your news, job vacancies, or upcoming events to more than 5,000 people in the mental health sector each week.

Mental Health Australia members are invited to send us news, announcements, job vacancies, events or other notices for inclusion in the Weekly CEO Update newsletter. To do so, simply fill out this form by COB each Monday for your notice to appear in the newsletter.

If you are interested in being featured in our newsletter, please note that promotions in the Weekly CEO Update are one of many member benefits. Apply for a full or associate membership to take part in advocacy at the national level. For more information or to register your organisation, follow this link.