CEO Update: Welcome to 2025 – A Federal Election year and opportunity to transform mental health in Australia
30 January 2025
CEO Message
Welcome to 2025 – A Federal Election year and opportunity to transform mental health in Australia
As many of us return from our summer breaks, and we begin planning for the year ahead, it’s unsurprising that attention is shifting to the upcoming Federal Election. In the coming months this country will face a choice about what kind of community we want to build together, and what our priorities should be for the future of Australia.
It is my hope that we can seize this opportunity to amplify our collective voices, secure bipartisan political support, and ultimately transform the way that we consider and respond to mental health in Australia.
Excitingly, the Mental Health Australia Board has recently announced our new Board Chair, Dr Peggy Brown AO, who will be instrumental in leading Mental Health Australia through this next chapter. Dr Brown’s experience across government and the sector will be invaluable as we build on our Federal Election platform and take our ambitious ideas to the Australian electorate.
Our recently released vision to reform Australia’s mental health system, Mental Health Australia’s Vision Statement: A mentally healthy Australia, lays out the key strategies for mental health reform we want the next Federal government to prioritise.
We are setting out to achieve the change needed to improve Australia’s mental health, with a focus on building a world-class system of mental health care and support by overhauling the system foundations, providing funding matched to the scale of the problem and community expectation, and embedding a human rights approach to mental health care and support.
Alongside this plan, we released our own research from a survey of Australian voters that shows mental health is a major priority for them in this election. Highlights from the survey include:
- 81% of voters are concerned about mental health;
- 75% of voters believe government needs to do more to address mental health; and
- 63% of voters are more likely to back parties who are committed to increasing mental health funding to improve access to services.
This year, it is clear that mental health policies are vote winners for electors from across the political spectrum, with a strong and clear mandate for those standing for election to take meaningful and urgent action to improve mental health for people in Australia.
With informal campaigning having begun, and mental health already appearing on the campaigning agenda of some parties, we must focus our energies on achieving the urgent reforms we have been calling for, for so long. I hope you will all join us in this mission as we stand side by side with lived experience advocates and community and sector leaders who are calling for change this election.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week
- Today, I am meeting with Mental Health Australia member, SuperFriend.
- On Thursday, I will be meeting with the Department of Health and Aged Care on the plan for future psychosocial supports, and attending a Gayaa Dhuwi webinar on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults’ mental health and wellbeing 12 months on from the Voice Referendum.
- On Monday, Mental Health Australia will host a meeting of the Mental Health Australia Members Psychosocial Network, to inform the Department of Health and Aged Care’s psychosocial plan.
Mental Health Australia welcomes Dr Peggy Brown AO as the new Chair of the Mental Health Australia Board
The Mental Health Australia Board announced Dr Peggy Brown AO as its new Chair on 23rd January 2025. Dr Brown's diverse experience in the mental health sector makes her well placed to lead Mental Health Australia at a time when change is urgently needed. Her priorities will include driving mental health reform and strengthening and uniting the sector.
Read the full media release at the button below.
Mental Health Australia celebrates and congratulates mental health leaders recognised in the Australia Day 2025 Honours List
Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Mr James Simpson (NSW) – For distinguished service to people with disability
through legal and board leadership positions, and as an advocate for their health and wellbeing. (Mr Simpson has served as a Presiding Member of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal.)
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Dr Kym Jenkins (VIC) – For significant service to psychiatry as a clinician, academic and in executive roles. (Dr Jenkins is a Member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Asylum Seeker and Refugee Mental Health Network.)
Professor Julian Trollor (NSW) – For significant service to people with disability, particularly as a clinician and academic. (Professor Trollor is the Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, since 2024.)
Ms Rose Cuff (VIC) – For significant service to community mental health, and
to youth. (Ms Cuff is the Victorian Director of Emerging Minds' Children of Parents with Mental Illness Initiative.)
Mr Adam Johnston (NSW) – For significant service to community health, to the law, and to people living with disability. (Mr Johnston is a Consumer Advisor, Northern Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service and a founding member of the Sydney North Primary Health Network Consumer Advisory Council.)
Ms Carmel Crouch (QLD) – For significant service to people with disability. (Ms Crouch is Managing Director of STEPS, a long-term provider of mental health support services in Australia.)
Professor Sharon Naismith (NSW) – For significant service to neuropsychology, particularly dementia, through medical research and clinical practice.
Dr Shirley Prager – For significant service to psychiatry, and to professional organisations.
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Ms Rae Bonney (VIC) – For service to community mental health. (Ms Bonney is an Ambassador for Beyond Blue.)
Ms Christabel Chamarette (WA) – For service to community health, particularly as a
psychologist. (Ms Chamarette is a member of the National Strategy Advisory Group for the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021–2030 First National Action Plan and First Commonwealth Action Plan.)
Mrs Joanne Cook (TAS) – For service to community mental health. (Mrs Cook is a former member of The Butterfly Foundation Board.)
Miss Laura-Jude Johnson (TAS) – For service to community mental health, and to youth
advocacy. (Miss Johnson is the Founder and Producer of THEIRS [Talk, Hear and Help, Educate, Inform, Refer and Support] and member of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania.)
Dr Wendy Bunston – For service to social welfare research. (Dr Bunston is a Member and Advocate, Australian Association for Infant Mental Health.)
Miss Kendall Whyte (WA) – For service to the community through mental health
initiatives.
Public Service Medal (PSM)
Ms Emma Gleeson (ACT) – For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of the Australian Government’s response to the Fair Work Commission’s historic Aged Care Work Value Case.
Mr Luke Mansfield (ACT) – For outstanding public service through advocacy to disability reform.
Mrs Berindah Aicken (NSW) – For outstanding public service to NSW Corrective Services. (Mrs Aicken is a forensic psychologist and former Chief Psychologist who has dedicated her career to service and program provision for people in custody.)
Meritorious Awards
Australian Police Medal (APM) – Inspector Matthew Richman (TAS) – For distinguished service as a member of an Australian police force. (Inspector Richman's leadership has been crucial in developing and implementing key initiatives including clinical psychological services, mental health and wellbeing checks and the introduction of wellbeing support officers to Tasmania Police.)
Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) – Mr Samuel Parkhouse (NSW) – For distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. (Mr Parkhouse developed and implemented the FRNSW Wellness Summit mental health support program, providing evidence-based trauma support tailored to the unique needs and nature of firefighters.)
Invitation to Mental Health Australia members to join our child and youth mental health webinar
This webinar is an opportunity for Mental Health Australia members to provide input to inform Mental Health Australia’s advice to governments on child and youth mental health ahead of the next Health and Mental Health Ministers meeting.
Date: Monday 17th February 2025
Time: 1.00pm-2.30pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Please register by Monday 10th February 2025 at the button below.
Mental health news
David McGrath appointed CEO of National Mental Health Commission
David McGrath has been appointed CEO of the National Mental Health Commission from 29 January 2025. David's long career in the mental health sector, including more than a decade as an adviser to the World Health Organization, brings international insight and significant technical expertise in mental health legislation, program and policy to the Commission's work.
(See media release attached.)
Mental services need major repair, not short-term fix
A significant lift in funding and long-term reform will be needed to avoid future worker shortages and provide critical mental health services, the incoming head of the sector's peak body says. The new Chair of Mental Health Australia Peggy Brown said state and federal governments needed to work more closely together to improve outcomes, and the NSW crisis should spark discussions about the mental health sector's long-term needs, rather than forcing a quick fix that might not stand the test of time.
New South Wales mental health crisis – investment critical now (NSW)
The New South Wales mental health peak bodies, BEING Mental Health Consumers, Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) and Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) said the looming resignation of over 200 psychiatrists in the NSW public health system on top of 140 vacant psychiatrist positions reflects the dire state of the current NSW mental health system and will only compound the challenges and trauma experienced by people with acute mental health challenges, their families, and carers.
Mental health and wellbeing strategy open for feedback
A draft of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been released for public feedback.
Release of the first National Autism Strategy
The Australian Government launched Australia’s first National Autism Strategy and Action Plan that will for the first time at the Commonwealth level, drive a coordinated national approach to breaking down barriers to inclusion and improving the evidence, understanding and acceptance around autism.
First Nations strategy to ensure better outcomes for First Nations people living with disability
The Australian Government has announced a new strategy designed to ensure First Nations people living with disability receive the culturally safe and accessible support they need through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
People with disability lead independent advice on National Disability Insurance Scheme reform
The Australian Government announced the appointment of El Gibbs and Dougie Herd as the two co-chairs of the newly formed National Disability Insurance Scheme Reform Advisory Committee.
Strengthening support for Australia's young carers
The Australian Government will provide a $19.8 million boost to the Young Carer Bursary Program, assisting young carers to engage in education and pursue their study goals while navigate their caring roles.
Prime Minister's media statement: Ministry changes
Announcement of changes to the Cabinet and Ministry.
Carers NSW highlights need to address barriers to critical services amid growing mental health workforce crisis
Carers NSW has raised serious concerns about the impacts for family and friend carers of reduced access to affordable psychiatry services across the NSW health system, particularly in the context of existing workforce shortages in the mental health sector.
Lift moratorium on psychiatrists now
In the midst of a national crisis in accessing mental healthcare, and the unfolding disaster in NSW as some 200 public system psychiatrists quit, the Australian Private Hospitals Association called for the Federal Government's 10-year moratorium on overseas-trained psychiatrists to be lifted today to allow these psychiatrists to provide in-hospital consultations in private hospitals now.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reform more urgent in New South Wales with psychiatrist's workforce crisis (NSW)
The Royal Australian College of GPs urged the New South Wales Government to prioritise reforms to improve access to support and treatment for people with ADHD from GPs after the mass resignation of psychiatrists.
Statement from Australian Medical Association New South Wales President (NSW)
The President of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Medical Association said the continuing impasse between public hospital psychiatrists and the NSW Government is catastrophic for patients and their families, a clear sign of a health system in crisis, and emblematic of a staffing and budget crisis being felt by doctors, nurses and allied health staff in every specialty at levels not seen in more than 20 years.
Geelong's new youth hub opens its doors (VIC)
Victorian Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman today jointly opened "The Nest", which offers young locals aged 12 to 25 access to a range of youth-focused programs and services to support mental health, employment readiness, life skills and social groups, designed by young people, for young people.
Cairns Hospital Mental Health Unit officially opened (QLD)
Cairns Hospital's new Mental Health Unit was officially opened last week, providing a much-needed boost to care for Far North Queenslanders. The new $83.4 million facility features 53 beds, of which 10 are dedicated mental health intensive care beds.
Regency Green service gets green light until 2027 (SA)
The Transitional Care and Support Service, also known as Regency Green, has been green lit for an almost $15 million extension. The service provides short to medium term care and support services for people living with a psychosocial disability (such as depression or Schizophrenia), who are National Disability Insurance Scheme patients and who no longer require hospital care.
New mental health service opens in Great Southern (WA)
The Western Australian Government announced the expansion of its $22 million mental health crisis care initiative Acute Care and Response Teams (ACRT) to Albany and surrounding communities, providing rapid response and support to young people up to 18 years of age experiencing a mental health crisis, their families and carers.
Recruitment begins for northern Mental Health Emergency Response service (TAS)
The Tasmanian Government's Mental Health Emergency Response (MHER) service is a step closer to expanding to Northern Tasmania with the recruitment for key roles underway. The MHER is a tri-agency co-response service that provides care and support to people in mental health crisis in community settings.
In case you missed it...
Below is a summary of sector news and development since the last CEO Update in December 2024:
January 2025
Make brain health your New Year's resolution in 2025
Dementia Australia called on the Australian Government to fund a national discussion about brain health and how to lower our dementia risk, including getting physically active.
Australian Government investing in support for small businesses
The Australian Government announced funding to ease pressure for small businesses including through Beyond Blue's NewAccess for Small Business Owners one-on-one mental health coaching program.
World-first data asset to improve outcomes for people with disability
Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, said Australia will now have a clearer research picture of people with disability aimed at improving their life outcomes, with the release of the first data from the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA) between Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
December 2024
Community Mental Health Australia and People with Disability Australia (CMHA) and (PWDA) demand justice and urgent reform following death of Simon Cartwright at Silverwater Jail
CMHA and PWDA united in their condemnation of the systemic failures in Australia’s mental health and justice systems and the regulated violence documented in the coroner’s report of Simon Cartwright’s death in 2021 at Silverwater jail.
Mental Health Australia welcomed investment to continue vital mental
health measures
Mental Health Australia welcomed the Australian Government’s investment of $448.3 million into mental health and wellbeing measures through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook alongside $1.1 billion to support design and implementation of Foundational
Supports and reform of the NDIS.
- Related news: Black Dog Institute welcomes investment in mental health support for healthcare workers – Black Dog Institute, 19th December 2024; Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook commitment helps headspace connect more young people with Work and Study – Headspace, 19th December 2024.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and disability representative organisations oppose rushed implementation of new support needs assessment model
PWDA, Women With Disabilities Australia, Community Mental Health Australia and the Australian Autism Alliance responded to the Minister for the NDIS' announcement of funding for a new support needs assessment model for the NDIS, supporting government funding for assessments to reduce the cost to participants, but opposing mandatory government-delivered assessments which could herald Independent Assessments 2.0.
Stronger mental health commission must drive improved coordination
The AMA’s submission to a Department of Health and Aged Care consultation on strengthening the National Mental Health Commission says true reform of the mental health sector requires all governments working together.
Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) welcomed independent review of pricing for art and music therapy by NDIA
ANZACATA welcomed the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) announcement it would commission an independent review of appropriate NDIS pricing for music and art supports.
Three quarters of Australian voters demand more action on mental health
New polling conducted on behalf of Mental Health Australia shows 81% of Australian voters are concerned about mental health and 75% believe government needs to do more to address this issue, as Australia's mental health worsens.
- Related news: Mental Health Australia calls on politicians to address mental health crisis – The Australian, 17th December 2024 (see article attached).
Australian Government response to ADHD Inquiry described as lukewarm at best
The Consumers' Health Forum described the Australian Government’s response to the ADHD Senate Inquiry as lukewarm at best and only offering minor improvements in better supporting Australians living with ADHD.
- Related news: Australian Government response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report: Assessment and support services for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), tabled to Parliament, 12th December 2024.
National Disability Insurance Agency and National Disability Insurance Scheme News
New Self-Management Advisory Group
The NDIS has established a Self-Management Advisory Group to provide strategic advice to the NDIA about the needs of people who self-manage their NDIS plans. Made up of self-managing participants, child representatives and nominees, and representatives from the disability sector and Independent Advisory Council, the Group will support the NDIA in implementing the Self-Management Policy, and broader reforms that may impact self-management. Learn more about the Self-Management Advisory Group, including its membership and meeting summaries, on the NDIS website Self-Management Advisory Group | NDIS.
Changes to the NDIS Act – updated guidelines and information
The NDIS has published a range of new and updated guidance reflecting the recent changes to Section 10 (NDIS supports) of the NDIS Act, including NDIS operational guidelines and ‘Would we fund it’ guides that provide practical examples of when the NDIS would or would not fund a support item.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
Consultation reminder: 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 28th February 2025.
Australian Government grant opportunity forecast – Mental Health Program, Medicare Mental Health Centres
The service will create a pool of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists to support the clinical capacity of Medicare Mental Health Centres as part of a multidisciplinary team. Operations will commence from 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2028.
Read more at the button below.
Australian Government grant opportunity forecast – Mental Health Program, Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Round 2
The grant is intended to support higher education providers who have created additional postgraduate psychology places in courses which lead to general registration and 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 button below.
Expressions of Interest for the 2025 Stratford Scholarship are now open
Mind Australia is accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2025 Stratford Scholarship.
Initiated by Mind Australia in 2024 to honor the late Anthony Stratford’s leadership legacy and his immense contributions to the Peer Workforce, the scholarship is an opportunity to complete a 12-month project that contributes to innovation and transformational change and supports the mental health and wellbeing of people in their own and the broader community.
Expressions of interest are open to an emerging Peer leader or small group of peers from diverse and intersectional backgrounds who want to be part of transformational change within their community.
Learn more about Anthony Stratford's legacy here and learn more about this opportunity to 'do differently' at the button below.
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults’ mental health and wellbeing 12 months on from the Voice Referendum – Webinar
Join Dr Bronwyn Wilkes from the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research for an insightful and important webinar exploring the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, 12 months on from the Voice Referendum.
This free event will present updated results from a project using Mayi Kuwayu Study data to track mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in the lead up to the Voice to Parliament Referendum and the year since.
The presentation will look at how exposure to racism and discrimination has changed in the lead up to and since the Referendum, as well as various measures of health, social and emotional wellbeing, family and community support, and cultural connection.
Date: Thursday 30th January 2025
Time: 3:00-3:30pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Please register at the button below.
Listening Together Research Project
Researchers at the Australian National University are studying how young people with disability and young carers define good listening, and whether they feel listened to by the organisations and services in their lives. The project is co-designed with a group of young people with disability and young carers.
Young people with disability and young carers are invited to take part in the research by doing an online survey. The survey is open until June 20th 2025.
Learn more at the button below.
Invitation: Launch of Prevention United paper "ACT-ing Upstream. Taking a strategic approach to mental health promotion and prevention in the ACT"
The ACT Health Directorate commissioned Prevention United to develop a paper exploring the creation of a systematic mental health promotion and prevention approach tailored to the ACT context. The paper aims to empower partners across the ACT health and mental health system to collaborate in improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Canberrans.
The ACT Office for Mental Health invites you to attend the launch of the paper via an upcoming webinar, featuring guest speakers including Prevention United CEO Suzanne Dick and MIEACT CEO Prudence Slaughter.
Date: Friday 31st January 2025
Time: 11:00am AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Register at the button below.
Webinar: Trauma or Treatment – 24th February 2025
The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) is hosting this webinar about the impact of trauma from a survivor’s perspective.
NMHCCF representatives will explore trauma, its impact, and mental health implications, while taking a deeper look at the impacts of services and systems on survivors. Future trauma informed service options will also be examined, from the perspective of consumers and carers.
Date: Monday 24th February 2025
When: 3:00pm AEDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Register at the link below.
National Care and Support Sector Conference, 25th July 2025, Perth
This year's 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.
Learn more at the button below.
Job vacancies
Policy and Advocacy Senior Adviser – Beyond Blue
An exciting new opportunity has become available at Beyond Blue. The Policy and Advocacy Senior Adviser sits in the Advocacy and Equity Team and is responsible for providing expert advice and leadership. With a focus on the 'Leading' and 'Integrity' goals of Strategy 2023+, the team contributes to the community’s recognition of Beyond Blue leading and influencing positive system and social change and championing safe, affirming and inclusive practices. Applications close 12:00PM, 3rd February 2025.
Learn more here.
National Communications Manager – National Mental Health Consumer Alliance
The Alliance is recruiting an experienced National Communications Manager based anywhere in Australia. This is an identified (mental health consumer) role and is for three days per week. Applications close 11:59 PM AEDT, 2nd February 2025.
View the job advertisement here.
Project Manager – Making Rights Real – National Mental Health Consumer Alliance
The Alliance is seeking a project manager to run accessible co-design sessions with people with psychosocial disability/mental health challenges about human rights and write public messaging campaigns based on insights. Applications close 8:00 AM AEDT, 5th February 2025.
View the job advertisement here.
Featured Members
Mental Health Council of Tasmania
The Mental Health Council of Tasmania is the peak body for community managed mental health services in Tasmania. We represent and promote the interests of our Members and work closely with Tasmanian Government agencies and Primary Health Tasmania to ensure sectoral input into public policies and programs. We have a strong commitment to enabling better mental health care access and outcomes for every Tasmanian. Our purpose is to improve mental health for all Tasmanians, and our vision is for all Tasmanians to have awareness of, and value, their mental health and wellbeing.
Ruah Community Services: Working in partnership, Ruah Community Services aim to empower and inspire their clients to achieve their personal aspirations. Vision - Flourishing communities through active participation and wellbeing of people with complex needs. Mission - Empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged people to create meaningful change in their lives through provision of quality support services. Values - Respect, Grassroots, Partnerships, Integrity, Creativity.
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