A pivotal year ahead for mental health reform

Hi everyone,

I hope you have had some time over the summer to rest and recharge and are returning with renewed energy for what is shaping up to be a pivotal year for mental health in Australia.

Like many of you, I have felt the weight of the past few months. The end of 2025 and the start of this year have been deeply challenging for communities across the country. Events such as the Bondi terrorist attack, ongoing global conflict and uncertainty, extreme weather events like floods and fires, and continued cost of living pressures have all had a profound impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing. We are living through difficult times.

Of course, there are still glimpses of hope, like the many examples of strong community spirit and leadership we’ve seen that help to lift people up and encourage them to keep going, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

With all of this in mind, it feels more important than ever that we work together, as a community, as a sector, and in partnership with governments, to respond to the emotional fatigue that many of us are feeling, to address the drivers of distress, and to ensure people can access crucial supports when they need it.

As we look ahead to 2026, there are several major opportunities on the horizon to advance our shared goals.

First, the renegotiation of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement will be central to shaping national mental health reform over the coming years. This agreement between the Commonwealth and the states and territories will set the direction for system-wide change. It is critical that people with lived experience, families, carers and kin, along with the mental health sector, have a strong and meaningful voice in determining the priorities. The upcoming meeting of Health and Mental Health Ministers on 13 February will be an important next step in these discussions.

Second, the Australian Government is continuing to roll out its election and budget commitments to expand mental health services. These include the new Medicare Mental Health Check In early intervention service, additional adult Medicare Mental Health Centres, and new Youth Specialist Care Centres. The sector has a vital role in shaping and implementing these initiatives, so that they genuinely improve equitable access to essential supports.

Third, significant broader reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, design of foundational supports outside the NDIS and the new National Health Reform Agreement are being intensely negotiated between the Australian, state and territory governments. These reforms will have important implications for the mental health system, and we will stay closely engaged as they take shape.

Mental Health Australia deeply values the expertise and leadership of our members, and we look forward to working with you to advance better policy, stronger systems and a more united sector.

As we head into this pivotal year, our collective strength has never mattered more. There are great opportunities ahead to connect and build momentum, including our Mental Health Sector Parliamentary Expo on 5 March, which will be attended by the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon. Emma McBride MP, and our Members Policy Forum on 14 May following the Federal Budget.

By coming together, we can amplify our shared voice and deliver lasting improvements in mental health outcomes for people across Australia.

Carolyn Nikoloski, CEO

Mental Health Australia