Members Policy Forum - 12 November 2024

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.