Recognition matters, but it's time to get on with the job

In my time working in mental health, I’ve heard many of these stories.

People across Australia, living with mental health challenges, who continue to tell us how hard it is to get the supports they need.

Long wait lists, limited availability and unaffordable services remain far too common.

The Productivity Commission’s final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement confirmed this reality. It found that the current Agreement is not effective and set out 24 areas where improvement is urgently needed.

Last week’s Joint Health and Mental Health Ministers’ Meeting acknowledged the importance of mental health reform and signalled early work on the scope, timeframes and responsibilities for the new Agreement. Notably, the development of a National Mental Health Declaration, a core recommendation of the Productivity Commission, was not progressed.

Ministers also recognised the meaningful contributions of people with lived experience, their families, carers and kin, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners and the sector, for our early advice on preparing for future national arrangements.

This recognition is welcomed, but people, families and communities want acknowledgment to now be matched with action. We need jurisdictions to pick up the pace to deliver the real change communities have been calling for.

The new National Agreement is an opportunity to finally reset the foundations and build a system that responds to the real needs of communities, rather than adding more complexity or delay. It must also address the many long-standing gaps, like the 500,000 people unable to access the psychosocial supports to help them participate in their communities, build connections and maintain stability. 

The task ahead is clear: build a system that provides practical, meaningful support for those currently missing out, and ensure new investments genuinely reach the communities who need them the most.

As governments begin work on this new Agreement, it is critical that we learn from the findings of the Productivity Commission’s review and make sure lived experience and sector voices stay firmly at the table.

Mental Health Australia will continue working with our members to ensure the new National Agreement reflects what people, communities and the sector have been calling for. We stand ready to work with governments to turn recognition into action.

People have been waiting long enough, and the time to act is now.

Carolyn Nikoloski, CEO
Mental Health Australia