News from the CEO: 2024
CEO Update: Why Meaningful Connections Matter this World Mental Health Day
10 October 2024
World Mental Health Day on 10 October is a time to put mental health in the spotlight, raise awareness and break down stigma. This year for Mental Health Australia’s World Mental Health Day campaign we have focussed on why meaningful connections matter, and why they are so important for good mental health.
Read moreCEO Update: Help is needed way earlier for better child mental health
2 October 2024
Today, National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds will address the National Press Club in Canberra, bringing children’s safety and wellbeing into focus.
Read moreCEO Update: Coming together to address gaps in psychosocial supports
25 September 2024
Our sector is undergoing significant changes including multiple, large-scale reforms in psychosocial supports. Which is why tomorrow we’re establishing a Mental Health Australia Members Psychosocial Network to create a platform for member input to our policy and advocacy positions in this area, and to facilitate collective advocacy on addressing the gap in psychosocial supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Read moreCEO Update: Improving mental health – a blanket ban on social media is not the answer
18 September 2024
The proposal to set a minimum age for access to social media and other digital platforms announced by the Australian Government last week has sparked intense debate about the effects of online content on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Read moreCEO Update: We all have a role in preventing suicide
11 September 2024
It’s crucial to pause and reflect on the urgent need for collective action in preventing suicide. On 10 September each year, we have the opportunity to rally together for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Read moreCEO Update: Standing with Defence and veteran communities for change and accountability
4 September 2024
Last week Mental Health Australia co-hosted the Members and Leaders Forum with Mental Health First Aid, which brought together leaders, advocates, and professionals across the mental health sector to learn from our overseas counterparts about a whole-of-system approach to mental health care.
Read moreCEO Update: Building a stronger future for mental health care
28 August 2024
Last week Mental Health Australia co-hosted the Members and Leaders Forum with Mental Health First Aid, which brought together leaders, advocates, and professionals across the mental health sector to learn from our overseas counterparts about a whole-of-system approach to mental health care.
Read moreCEO Update: Governments progress mental health sector priorities
21 August 2024
The future of mental health in Australia has taken a promising step forward over the last week, as the Australian and state and territory governments have shown a united front in addressing some of the recommended priorities of the mental health sector.
Read moreCEO Update: Unified sector priorities for Ministers’ meeting
14 August 2024
Mental Health Australia has been joined by 80 mental health organisations across the country calling for Health and Mental Health Ministers to take serious action at the Ministers’ meeting this Friday.
Read moreCEO Update: A new era of unity and advocacy
7 August 2024
Today we are launching our next 5-year strategy, which marks a pivotal moment in Mental Health Australia’s journey.
Read moreCEO Update: The importance of regional responses
31 July 2024
The latest release of data from the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing published on Friday gives us new information about the level of mental health challenges in more specific areas than we’ve had before.
Read moreCEO Update: Using data to drive change
24 July 2024
Last week Mental Health Australia was pleased to host a special webinar in collaboration with the National Mental Health Commission for our members to learn more details about the recently released National Report Card 2023.
Read moreCEO Update: National Mental Health Report Card
10 July 2024
NAIDOC WEEK - A special message from Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, CEO, Rachel Fishlock, and last week The National Mental Health Commission released the 2023 National Mental Health Report Card, which presents concerning data about the state of mental health in Australia.
Read moreCEO Update: Shining a light
3 July 2024
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide last month published our book, Shining A Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing, honouring those with lived experience who have contributed to our landmark inquiry.
Read moreCEO Update: Lived experience leadership in psychosocial reform
26 June 2024
We’re on the precipice of significant reform in psychosocial services. Australian, State and Territory Governments are finalising the Analysis of the Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support Outside the NDIS, and have agreed to jointly design and fund Foundational Supports outside the NDIS.
Read moreCEO Update: Winter solstice a time for reflection, connection and renewal
19 June 2024
As the winter solstice approaches this Friday, communities across Australia will recognise the day in a variety of ways from bonfires to naked swims. In the regional New South Wales town of Albury, the 21st of June has an even more profound significance.
Read moreCEO Update: Next step towards a Human Rights Act
12 June 2024
In his last presentation to the United Nations Human Rights Council as a Special Rapporteur, Mr Dainius Pūras articulated what so many in the mental health – and particularly lived experience movement – have been calling for.
Read moreCEO Update: Supporting the mental health of people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
5 June 2024
The current political debate around our country’s migration policies has highlighted the importance of us having a community and culture that celebrates and respects diversity; provides a strong sense of belonging and inclusion; and includes a mental health system that supports the needs of all people in Australia, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Read moreCEO Update: Scaling up early intervention services
29 May 2024
The people of Australia received positive news a fortnight ago with the Federal Budget announcement of $163.9m for a new national early intervention service that is free of charge with no need for referral.
Read moreCEO Update: Collaboration the way to achieve meaningful reform
22 May 2024
The strength of the mental health sector lies in our ability to pull together to work towards our common goal of improving the mental health of Australia.
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