News from the CEO: 2023
CEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in times of crisis
10 November 2023
Over the past month we have all watched news of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East escalate. As a result, the mental health implications have been detrimental for both Israeli and Palestinian people living in Australia who have family and loved ones affected overseas.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Navigating the mental health implications of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and Voice referendum
13 October 2023
This week the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Australia’s largest mental health study. This new data shows that while overall the proportion of the population experiencing mental ill-health has not changed markedly since 2007, particular population groups are experiencing significantly higher rates of mental ill-health.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: New data shows need for mental health reform
6 October 2023
This week the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Australia’s largest mental health study. This new data shows that while overall the proportion of the population experiencing mental ill-health has not changed markedly since 2007, particular population groups are experiencing significantly higher rates of mental ill-health.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Look after your mental health Australia
29 September 2023
October is one of the biggest months on the Mental Health Australia calendar, as it marks our World Mental Health Day campaign. Each year for World Mental Health Day on October 10 we put mental health in the spotlight to raise awareness, break down stigma, and say, ‘Look after your mental health, Australia’.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Nurturing the Future and Prioritising Youth Mental Health
22 September 2023
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is complex, with study stress, future stress, and body image rating high as areas of concern for young people. This week Beyond Blue released a survey which found only one in three teachers believed students at their school were mentally healthy, showing there is an escalating crisis of mental-ill health among young Australians.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Advocating to get mental health reform back on the political agenda
14 September 2023
On Wednesday I was proud to lead my first Parliamentary Advocacy Day, alongside Mental Health Australia Chair Matt Berriman, who officially launched our 2023 Report to the Nation, which is our annual independent benchmark survey conducted by Ipsos.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Creating hope through action this World Suicide Prevention Day
8 September 2023
World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is an important time for reflection, action and hope. In Australia, we face the stark reality that 3,000 people die by suicide every year, leaving countless families and communities devasted by the consequences.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Let's vote Yes on 14 October
1 September 2023
On Wednesday in Adelaide Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the date of the Voice to Parliament referendum to be 14 October. This means six more weeks of public debate that will impact the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of First Nations Australians. It is time that we stand together, and use our vote to say Yes to recognition, listening, and better results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Intergenerational Report - a missed opportunity for a mental health focus
25 August 2023
The release of the 2023 Intergenerational Report this week was a missed opportunity to recognise the strong body of evidence that says investment in mental health reform is good for the economy, as well as being good for the mental health and wellbeing of our communities, both now and also for our future generations.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Lived experience leadership crucial to human rights and mental health
4 August 2023
The TheMHS Conference this week on ‘Bringing humanity and human rights into mental health’ provided an opportune time to reflect on where we’ve come from, and where we’re going in relation to human rights, mental health and lived experience.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: It’s time to look at prevention with a renewed focus.
4 August 2023
The emphasis on prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic was a global necessity. From masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing, to multi-billion-dollar public health campaigns, prevention was a clear strategy to take the pressure off public health systems, and most importantly to save lives.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: It takes a village to raise a child
4 August 2023
While the exact origins of the proverb are disputed most scholars believe it stems from a variety of African cultures. Communities where the general meaning is ‘that an entire community of people must provide for, and interact positively, with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.’
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: It’s time to ensure people get the services they need
28 July 2023
Events in South Australia this week have highlighted the needs of people with psychosocial disability, with the release of a report estimating as many as 19,000 South Australians are not receiving necessary psychosocial support services. .
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Public policy: failures, fallout, and learnings
14 July 2023
As expected, this week we have seen extensive national media coverage on the release of the Robodebt Royal Commission findings. We know the scheme has had significant and, in some cases, tragic repercussions on the mental health of people across the country and unfortunately it is an example of a monumental policy failure.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: An invitation to the Australian people from First Nations Australians
7 July 2023
This NAIDOC week I’ve been reflecting on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I encourage you all to read, or re-read this powerful statement, developed six years ago at the National Constitutional Convention.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Action on housing can provide hope and homes
16 June 2023
When it comes to mental health and wellbeing we often talk about hope. The benefits of having something to look forward to, something or someone to connect with, the importance of being part of a community, and somewhere to feel safe and supported.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Getting to YES! in a respectful and safe way.
16 June 2023
It’s official. The bill has passed through Parliament. Australia will hold a referendum – most likely on a Saturday in October or November.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: The importance of connection
16 June 2023
I’ve just returned from a month of leave feeling rejuvenated – I took time out and reconnected with family in Europe. On returning to Australia, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the Hunter Valley bus crash and the tragic loss of 10 lives. As news circulated and details emerged, we realised the ripple effect such an event can have on us, individually and collectively.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Be a Voice for Generations
2 June 2023
Reconciliation Week is a significant time in Australia's calendar, where people come together to reflect on the shared histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Read moreCEO Update from Mental Health Australia: Schizophrenia Awareness and Support
26 May 2023
This week is Schizophrenia Awareness Week.
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