Weekly Update: A “fair go” for everyone – equity cannot be overlooked in mental health reform
1 August 2025
CEO Message
A “fair go” for everyone – equity cannot be overlooked in mental health reform
The National Mental Health Commission’s latest National Report Card is a welcome and important pulse-check of our nation’s mental health, and the performance of the mental health system across the country.
It reveals a steady rise in financial stress and the link between financial pressure and decisions to seek support: more than one-fifth of people are delaying or not seeing a health professional for their own mental health due to the cost of treatment.
Unfortunately, the Commission’s findings are not surprising, given the mismatch between rising rates of mental health challenges and the lack of agreement between governments on future investment. Mental health and substance use conditions make up the second highest “burden of disease” in Australia, and yet only 8% of government health expenditure goes to mental health.
While some progress has been made, the availability and affordability of mental health supports are not keeping pace with the level of need in the community. The report card comes at a time when governments are beginning to consider the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, due for negotiation in the next year. Additionally, our members continue to report spikes in demand for crisis services related to financial distress – more than half (57%) of people in Australia report cost of living pressures have negatively impacted their mental health.
I welcomed the Australian Government’s election commitment to increase free mental health supports for young people and adults, but the latest report card shows that we are now seeing increasing rates of people delaying access to care or putting it off altogether due to cost barriers. In addition, significant gaps persist in access for children and their families, and for those people seeking psychosocial supports, who cannot access the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
As cost-of-living pressures continue, the issue of equity is proving more and more central to effective, meaningful mental health reform, and cannot be overlooked.
Resolving this problem requires action from all governments to meaningfully lift investment in both prevention and mental health supports. What this report card further illuminates is the need to prioritise socio-economic equity and ensure that all barriers to service access – including financial – are being addressed at all levels of reform.
On the 22nd of August, I am hosting a special member-only webinar conversation about the report card with the CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, David McGrath. I invite Mental Health Australia members to join me as we explore the data, themes and outcomes, and for insights into what the findings mean for Australia’s mental health system going forward. Learn more and register here.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
Mental Health Australia News
Member-only webinar opportunity: National Mental Health Commission Report Card
The National Mental Health Commission has released its 2024 National Report Card, examining the prevalence of mental health challenges, the drivers behind it and the performance of the mental health system.
Mental Health Australia members are invited to join Mental Health Australia CEO, Carolyn Nikoloski, in conversation with Commission CEO David McGrath, as they discuss the data, themes and implications emerging from this year's report, and what the results mean for Australia’s mental health system moving forward.
This webinar is a member-only benefit.
Registration is essential, learn more at the button below.
Submission to NDIS Supports Rules Consultation
Last week, Mental Health Australia made a submission to the Australian Government’s consultation on the NDIS Supports Rules, which will determine what supports can or cannot be purchased through a NDIS plan. Mental Health Australia’s submission called for:
- Access to exercise physiology and personal wellbeing activities to improve psychosocial functioning through NDIS plans.
- Clarity around the provision of recovery-oriented support.
- Consistency in the interpretation of therapeutic supports for people with psychosocial disability.
- A transparent process to update both the lists of “Supports that are NDIS supports” and “Supports that are not NDIS Supports”.
Learn more at the button below.
Visit our new digital home!
We’re excited to announce that Mental Health Australia has a brand new website, offering:
- a refreshed new look;
- improved navigation and search functionality;
- a more user-friendly experience.
Enjoy easier access to our resources, news and events, and a new member-only portal for enhanced collaboration and member benefits.
Mental Health News
Media release: Progress and setbacks on Closing the Gap targets
The latest Annual Data Compilation Report, which tracks Australia’s performance towards the targets and indicators in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, shows mixed progress, with four of 19 targets on track to be met. Tragically, the rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has increased since the baseline year. The most recent data shows suicide was the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15-39 in 2022.
Media release: Fair Work Ombudsman’s disability support services Inquiry to build culture of compliance
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched an Inquiry into compliance with workplace laws in the disability support services sector, which is a priority area for the regulator. Between January 2020 and December 2024, within the disability support services sector, the Ombudsman responded to more than 75,000 enquiries; received in excess of 2500 anonymous reports; and completed more than 3000 matters arising from requests for assistance, proactive activities and self-reported non-compliance. Back-payments for workers in that period were close to $68 million.
Media release: Australia must aim for zero by 2035 – community sector
Australia’s community sector has united to call on the Australian Government to aim for net zero emissions by 2035 to reduce the harmful impacts of climate change. A statement signed by 88 organisations says that to protect people and the planet, we must keep global warming at 1.5C and aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said the sector is seeing first hand the severe toll climate change is taking on people’s mental and physical health, quality of life, housing and cost of living.
Media article: Ramsay Health Care set to close psychology clinics across the country within weeks, ABC News, 24th July 2025
Australia's largest private hospital operator has moved to close the majority of its psychology clinics, leaving thousands of vulnerable patients facing the prospect of being left without crucial care. In a staff meeting earlier this month, Ramsay Health Care revealed it would shut 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across the country by September.
Media release: Training for SA sports organisations to support kids with trauma experiences (SA)
Four of SA's most prominent sporting organisations have partnered with the Malinauskas Labor Government to undertake a training program to better support and include children with trauma experiences. The Calm, Connect, Coach: Understanding childhood trauma and supportive sporting environments learning package, developed by the Department for Child Protection, is helping coaches, administrators and volunteers better understand childhood trauma, and how it impacts brain development and behaviour.
Media release: Major boost to Victoria’s mental health workforce (VIC)
The Allan Labor Government is continuing to expand Victoria’s mental health workforce to meet growing demand and deliver on the Royal Commission’s vision of a system where every Victorian has access to the care they need. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today visited the Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local to announce the second round of roles through the Graduate and Early Career Program – supporting a strong pipeline of new workers to deliver the care Victorians need, close to home.
News from the NDIS
NDIS eligibility reassessments
Changes to NDIS legislation mean that, by law, the NDIS must advise participants which eligibility criteria they meet access for – either the disability requirements, early intervention requirements, or both. This change also applies to existing NDIS participants undergoing an eligibility reassessment. This update is part of the NDIA's ongoing work to improve the eligibility reassessment experience for participants, their families and carers.
Based on participant and sector feedback, the NDIA has:
- extended the timeframe for participants to provide additional information to support eligibility reassessment decisions from 28 to 90 days
- updated the eligibility reassessment letters to provide clearer information on what action participants can take.
New NDIA co-design bulletin
Working Together is a new bulletin about co-design at the NDIA. It features updates from the four Scheme Reform Working Groups, the latest from the Co-design Advisory Group, and news about other co-design work at the Agency.
NDIS pricing update
From 1st July 2025, new price limits applied to a range of NDIS services. The NDIA has provided updated information to help participants understand the changes.
Reference and advisory group updates
NDIA bulletin and meeting summaries are now available.
- Bulletin from the meeting of the Independent Advisory Council to the NDIS, 21st May 2025 (Easy Read version)
- Meeting summaries from co-design working groups:
- Assessments and Budgeting co-design working group meeting summaries for April and June 2025
- Participant Pathway Experience Co-design Working Group 6 May 2025
- Reform for Outcomes quarterly meeting summary Friday 30 May 2025
- Navigator meeting co-design working group meeting 7 summary
- Participant Safeguarding
- Early Intervention Pathway for Children Younger Than 9
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
4th-10th August 2025: Loneliness Awareness Week
This Loneliness Awareness Week, Ending Loneliness Together is shining a spotlight on young people and their circle, sharing small but meaningful moments that help build and strengthen connections, and calling on all Australians to make moments matter at home, at work, at school, online and in the community. Co-designed with young people aged 16–25, this year’s campaign is grounded in their lived experience and shaped around the theme: “Moments Matter”.
Ways to get involved
- Encourage young people and all Australians to share moments in a short piece to camera using the hashtag #MomentsMatter.
- Visit the campaign website and share campaign resources and assets widely.
Webinar: Unlocking a new frontier – social prescribing for children and young people
Join the Australian Social Prescribing Institute for Research and Education (ASPIRE) during Loneliness Awareness Week for a national webinar exploring how social prescribing is transforming approaches to loneliness and wellbeing in younger populations.
Hear insights from speakers including Associate Professor JR Baker, CEO at Primary and Community Care Services and Chair of ASPIRE, Professor Yvonne Zurynski, Professor of Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University and Chair of the ASPIRE Expert Panel for Quality, Effectiveness and Sustainability.
The event will launch ASPIRE’s Children and Young People Social Prescribing Research Network, connecting researchers advancing the evidence base in this field. To inquire about joining the network, email secretariat@sp.edu.au.
Date: Wednesday 6th August 2025
Time: 12:00pm AEST
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Griefline 2025 National Grief Survey
The 2025 National Grief Survey is a nationwide project designed to better understand the experiences of grieving Australians — and where current systems of support are falling short.
If you’ve experienced grief in the past 12 months, you are invited to share your experience. Your voice will help shape a more inclusive, informed approach to grief support across the country.
The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is open until 31st August 2025.
Applications now open for the Peter Meyer Research Grant (NSW)
One Door Mental Health is now accepting applications for the 2025 Peter Meyer Research Grant. This $15,000 grant supports innovative research led by NSW-based researchers aged 35 years and under, with a focus on improving the lives of people living with schizophrenia. Whether it’s exploring causes, recovery approaches, or psychosocial supports, the grant aims to fund projects that make a meaningful impact.
Applications close 5:00pm 8th August 2025.
Masterclass: Eating disorders – not just anorexia!
The Australian Society for Psychological Medicine invites GPs and primary care clinicians to join Dr Susan Barnett and Dr Karen Spielman for an interactive and practical deep dive into managing eating disorders across diverse presentations. This 4-hour online masterclass is for participants seeking to enhance their confidence and skills in working with patients affected by eating disorders.
Date: Sunday 3rd August 2025
Time: 1:00-5:00pm AEST
Location: Online via Zoom
Learn more at the button below.
Liptember: Raising funds and awareness for women's mental health all September
Make a positive difference for the 1 in 2 Australian women experiencing mental health issues by wearing lipstick in September. Every dollar raised will assist the Liptember Foundation in improving the mental health of Australian women through research, advocacy and education.
Relationships Australia Victoria training opportunities
Relationships Australia Victoria is offering upcoming workshops and webinars including:
- Making your Diverse Workplace Inclusive
- Couples Counselling Course: A contemporary and client-focused approach
- Negotiation and Conflict Management in the Workplace
- Facilitating a Therapeutic Support Group
- Vicarious Trauma
Everymind Prevention in Practice Summit 2025
The Prevention in Practice Summit 2025 is a one-day summit focused on bridging the knowledge-to-practice gap in the prevention of mental ill-health.
Job Opportunities
Canberra Health Service: Manager of Peer Services (designated lived experience role)
Canberra Health Service is looking for a lived experience leader to help shape and lead peer-led mental health services. The role will build and manage peer services, starting with a pilot in adult mental health and expanding into areas like suicide prevention and alcohol and drug services.
National Consumer Partnerships Manager
Use your lived experience of mental health challenges, and your knowledge of the mental health consumer movement, to amplify consumers' voices in this brand-new role based anywhere in Australia.
Featured Members
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is a federation of community-based, not-for-profit organisations with no religious affiliations. Our services are for all members of the community, regardless of religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, living arrangements, cultural background or economic circumstances.
Helping Minds
HelpingMinds offers quality and confidential mental health support to the family and friends of people living with mental health challenges across WA and Darwin. We also help people navigate the NDIS system and are a registered NDIS provider.
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