CEO Update: Uniting to drive change in mental health reform
11 November 2024
CEO Message
CEO Update: Uniting to drive change in mental health reform
Yesterday at the State Library in Melbourne, we gathered for our end-of-year Members Policy Forum, Annual General Meeting, and the 2024 Grace Groom Memorial Oration. These events united a powerful mix of leaders, advocates, and champions dedicated to advancing mental health reform in Australia.
With 119 CEOs, executives, and leaders from 69 of our 144 member organisations in attendance, this was our largest in-person Members Policy Forum to date. The strong turnout highlighted our collective resolve to drive a cohesive, impactful strategy for mental health reform—a strategy we urge all sides of government to prioritise, especially as the Federal Election approaches.
The Forum theme, Driving Change, was well-matched with an inspiring lineup of speakers. Among them was Martin Foley, Victoria’s former Health and Mental Health Minister, who opened discussions on driving reform from a government perspective. A standout panel on reform implementation included Professor Bruce Bonyhady, Chair and Director of the Melbourne Disability Institute; Katie Larsen, Executive Director of Lived Experience at Mind Australia; and Professor Frank Oberklaid, Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. The panel focused on the importance of unity in achieving change, and the need to be curious, courageous and persistent, in reform implementation. In our Members Policy Forum we also discussed our upcoming policy priorities and election strategy with members.
Following the Forum, we held Mental Health Australia’s Annual General Meeting.
At this meeting, we welcomed new Board Directors elected by Mental Health Australia’s membership, Rachel Fishlock from Gayaa Dhuwi and Dr. Sara Quinn from The Australian Psychological Society, both for two-year terms. Katrina Armstrong from Mental Health Carers Australia joined for a three-year term, assuming the Director-nominated Carer Member position. We were also pleased that Ms. Nicola Ballenden from Mind Australia was re-elected to the Board for a three-year term. Our sincere gratitude goes to Marie Piu, Cathy Andronis, and Tamara Cavenett for their dedicated service as they conclude their roles on the Board.
Later in the evening we joined members and guests from around the country for our 18th Grace Groom Memorial Oration. This annual event honours the late Grace Groom, former CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia (now Mental Health Australia).
This year’s oration featured a deeply moving speech by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Ms Mostyn, a dedicated mental health advocate, emphasised the importance of care and kindness in improving our collective mental health. Ms Mostyn highlighted the critical role of belonging and connecting with our communities, as a pre-requisite for our mental health, and the mental wealth of Australia. Ms Mostyn’s words resonated with all present, reminding us of the important role and value of care as a lever for change in our society.
By bringing together leaders, champions and allies from across the sector, our events highlight the power of unity. They allow us to share knowledge, align on priorities, and strengthen our collective voice for mental health reform. This will help to pave the way for a more connected, caring and compassionate approach to mental health into 2025 and beyond.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week
- Today I am meeting with the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum Co-Chairs.
- Tomorrow I am presenting at the Embrace Bi-Annual Stakeholder Group Meeting, then attending the NDIS National Mental Health Sector Reference Group.
- On Friday I am meeting with the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia and National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Co-Chairs.
- On Monday I am attending the Department of Health and Aged Care’s (DoHAC) Perinatal Mental Health Symposium.
- On Tuesday I am meeting with Community Mental Health Australia, then meeting with SMART Recovery Australia. In the afternoon I am attending a Parliamentary Friends of Housing briefing on Homelessness Australia’s ‘Launch of Call Unanswered - Unmet Need for Homelessness Services’.
Announcement of the 2024 Grace Groom Scholarship winner
Mental Health Australia is pleased to announce Ayenew Kassie Tesema as the recipient of the 2024 Grace Groom Memorial Scholarship.
Ayenew, a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, will use the scholarship to conduct a groundbreaking review on perinatal mental health and mental health literacy in Ethiopia.
This work aims to assist maternal health policymakers and clinicians in low-income countries in designing interventions that could have far-reaching impacts.
Evaluation of Mental Health Australia's World Mental Health Day campaign
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 World Mental Health Day campaign 'Meaningful Connections Matter'.
As we look ahead to make an even bigger impact in 2025, we'd love your feedback. Your insights are invaluable in helping us understand what worked, what could be improved, and how we can better advocate for mental health awareness and support.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey for your chance to win one of three $100 e-gift cards:
Mental Health News
National Redress Scheme inquiry report to be published soon
The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme anticipates it will finish its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme in November 2024.
National Cabinet agrees to age limit for social media access
First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media at a virtual meeting of National Cabinet last week. The move builds on an already agreed $6.5 million investment in an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content. The Government says the age limit will assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Bondi tragedy shines light on mental health care problems
Federal Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie MP, delivered a speech in the Federal Parliament about inequality in the mental health system following a recent meeting with the family of a victim of the incident at Bondi Junction in April. While heartened to learn that the victim's family living in New South Wales were supported by mental health crisis services, Mr Wilkie said he was shocked to hear that family living in Tasmania was not, instead left to navigate a multitude of system challenges to receive support.
Australian experts lead global push in Lancet Commission calls to tackle self-harm crisis
The Black Dog Institute says a landmark Lancet Commission report has revealed cultural and societal issues are driving an increase in self-harm, underscoring the urgent need for governments to address this crisis. Launched in Australia last week, the Lancet Commission brings together new perspectives on self-harm from a global team of more than 40 experts to better understand the drivers of self-harm and provide transformative ways forward.
Facebook, alcohol and gambling companies target ads at Australians most at risk of harm
New University of Queensland research unveils how Facebook targets people who are at risk of harm with alcohol and gambling advertising. The research piloted a novel digital data capture method that showed Facebook tagged the ten people who provided their data for this research with 89 different alcohol and gambling related advertising interests.
Australians feeling the brunt of financial challenges amid cost-of-living crisis
The latest research from the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index—a 24-year study into the wellbeing of Australians, conducted in partnership with Deakin University—shows that the Australian population is increasingly unhappy with the state of the nation. When asked how satisfied they were with life in Australia, respondents’ scores were the lowest in the history of the Wellbeing Index—a timeframe that, let’s not forget, included a global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk of PTSD 20 times higher for people held in offshore detention
Researchers at UNSW have uncovered evidence of the negative psychiatric impacts of Australia’s onshore and offshore detention systems in the largest study of its kind. A study of immigration detention in Australia has shown refugees detained offshore for any amount of time face a 20 times greater risk of PTSD and other mental health problems compared with asylum seekers who were detained onshore for less than six months.
More mental health support for Victorian students (VIC)
The Victorian Government says it is supporting Victorian students' mental health and wellbeing needs with the announcement of three new programs as part of the $200 million Schools Mental Health Menu. The program targets mental health support for students when and where they need it most, allowing schools to choose evidence-based programs, support staff and resources that best match the unique needs of their student cohorts.
Social media ban (TAS)
Tasmania's Deputy Premier, the Hon. Guy Barnett, said the Tasmanian Government strongly supports measures that reduce harm to children and young people caused by social media, but has noted its concerns in relation to the minimum age of 16 and the fact that the proposed legislation has still not been released. Barnett said Tasmania considers a minimum age of 14 would better balance the need to minimise the potential harm to young people, while managing unintended consequences of removing social media access, particularly given the positive impact social media can have for learning and social connection in regional communities.
Supporting victim-survivors on National Survivors' Day (TAS)
Tasmania's Premier, Jeremy Rockliff said National Survivors' Day shines a light on the advocacy of victim-survivors, and aims to destigmatise child sexual abuse and improve responses to survivors and those impacted by abuse. The final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings was tabled in Parliament on 26 September 2023, and the Tasmanian Government has implemented 44 of the recommendations, along with 22 interim actions announced before the Commission provided its final report.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
Closing soon: Consultation on reforms to the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office
The Department of Health and Aged Care is leading consultation on reforms to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO), part of a process of reform to reset and strengthen the NMHC and NSPO announced in the 2024-25 Budget.
This consultation closes on 18 November 2024.
The reforms respond to the findings of the 2023 Independent Investigation into the Commission and aims to position the NMHC and NSPO for long-term success.
A Discussion Paper has been prepared to help frame input. Responses to the paper can be submitted via the Online Survey: Strengthening the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office.
Learn more at the button below.
Australian Government grant opportunity forecast: Mental Health Program – Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Round 2
The Australian Government 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.
NDIS Pricing consultations
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is running consultations on NDIS Pricing. The NDIS Review recommended the Australian Government should transition responsibility for advising on NDIS pricing to IHACPA. The Australian Government has not yet announced whether it will implement this recommendation. In this consultation process IHACPA is looking to hear about:
- what you think is important to consider in pricing the NDIS
- how pricing approaches can best operate
- what does and doesn't work.
You can contribute via workshops (both in person and online), online submissions, answering a list of questions or sharing ideas in Easy Read. Find out more about this consultation process by visiting the IHACPA website.
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.
Have your say before 30 November 2024 by:
- adding to an online ideas wall
- completing an online questionnaire or uploading a submission
- attending an event near you or online.
Visit www.engage.dss.gov.au/Foundational-Supports to have your say or for more information.
New 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.
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.
Invitation: Co-design workshop for health professionals, University of Sydney Brain and Mind Centre
The Brain and Mind Centre is recruiting mental health professionals (clinicians, service managers, and administrators) for a 3-hour workshop to test and co-design an AI-enabled digital mental health tool prototype and explore attitudes about AI and clinical decision support tools.
- Workshop for Health Professionals – 19 November 2024
10.00 am - 1.00 pm, Level 5, King Street, Newtown NSW 2042
Click here to consent and register.
Registration is open for a workshop for young people to follow at a date to be confirmed at the same location. Click here to access consent and registration information for the young people's workshop.
Contact Dr Adam (Ads) Poulsen (adam.poulsen@sydney.edu.au) for more information.
Alcohol and other drugs inquiry: transcripts from recent public hearings
Transcripts of recent hearings of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport – Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia are now available.
Witnesses who have appeared so far include Mental Health Australia members the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Access the transcripts at the button below.
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.
ANZACATA Conference 2024, 15 - 16 November, Melbourne
The 2024 Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) Conference is being held at the Ibis Melbourne this November. The program includes special guest presenters Dr Dave Gussak (Florida State University) and Professor Rainbow Tin Hung Ho (University of Hong Kong), and optional workshops.
Find out more at the button below.
10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health: Online attendee registrations still open
Registration for in-person attendance has closed, but places for online attendance are still available for this three-day conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 - 22 November.
The Conference program will bring forward new concepts, discuss existing practices and give attendees the most up to date subject knowledge available, including on topics that explore the intersection between social workers and Health and Mental Health care.
Learn more at the button below.
Queensland Mental Health Commission Leading Reform Summit 2024
Sofitel Brisbane, 27 - 28 November 2024
Please note: This event is currently at capacity, join the waitlist to be notified if tickets become available.
The Leading Reform Summit is the Queensland Mental Health Commission's annual two-day forum for leaders in Queensland's mental health, alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention and associated human services sectors. It's a forum for leaders, people with lived and living experience, carers, frontline clinicians and workers, service providers, policy-makers, funders, planners and decision-makers.
Learn more at the button below.
Coming soon: Occupational Therapy Australia’s OT Mental Health Forum 2024, 28 - 29 November, Melbourne
Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) OT Mental Health Forum 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is fast approaching and is set to be the largest yet.
Spanning two days and packed with sessions that will provide opportunities for OTs to gain insight into emerging trends, connect with fellow professionals, and participate in discussions that are shaping the future of OT in mental health, the Forum is an invaluable chance for OTs across all areas of mental health practice to gather, learn, and be inspired.
Register here: https://www.otausevents.com.au/mentalhealthforum2024/registration
View the program at the button below.
National Care and Support Sector Conference 2025, 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.
Job opportunity: Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research
The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR), a statewide multi-disciplinary academic partnership hosted within West Moreton Health, is currently recruiting for the position of Director. The position is a strategic leadership role that together with the executive team provides authoritative advice on delivering translatable research outcomes to influence mental health service delivery and policy at state and national levels.
Learn more at the button below.
Featured Members
Mental Health Australia General Clinical Trials Network (MAGNET)
MAGNET is Australia’s first clinical trial network focused on adult mental health. Our network of 100+ world-leading researchers, carers, insurers, lived-experience experts, and First Nations representatives aims to support transformative research that addresses major unmet needs in mental health by facilitating collaborative, large-scale trials. MAGNET provides researchers with resources informed by current best practice needed to design, develop, and coordinate clinical trials. These resources include access to world-leading health economists and statisticians with expertise in mental health clinical trials, assessment training guidelines and materials, data safety and management boards and guidance on ethics.
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)
PANDA is the national lead organisation supporting and representing expecting and new parents and their families across Australia to understand and recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious and potentially devastating illness that affects around 100,000 Australian families every year. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline that supports expecting and new parents right across the country affected by perinatal mental illness. We also provide two websites with crucial information and advice for expecting and new parents, including a free online Mental Health Checklist for Expecting and New Parents, a self-screening tool for people to assess their wellbeing and seek professional support if necessary. PANDA also strives to raise awareness and reduce stigma in the community so anyone affected by perinatal mental illness can understand what is happening to them and can seek support.
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