The Albanese Government has tasked the Productivity Commission with a review into the mental health and suicide prevention system to deliver better mental health care and support for Australians.
The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement is due to expire in 2026 and it’s critical there is a review so all Australian governments are delivering mental health and suicide prevention services and support informed by this work.
Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.4 billion in mental health and suicide prevention.
We’ve made a lot of progress working closely with state and territory governments through the National Agreement, including:
- Expanding and opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres – providing free walk‑in access to mental health services and support
- Strengthening headspace – free mental health support for children and young people from 12 to 25 years with reduced wait times
- Setting up the Head to Health Kids Hub network – mental health and wellbeing centres for children up to 12 years
- Expanding aftercare services – immediate support for people who have recently attempted suicide
- Investing in Distress Brief Intervention Services – compassionate care and short‑term support for people in distress
- Bolstering Postvention support – helping people bereaved following the death by suicide of a family member or friend.
This review is about continuing to build a mental health system that’s effective, affordable, and there for Australians when they need it.
The Productivity Commission will consult with government agencies, commissioning bodies, service providers, peak bodies, people with lived and living experience of mental ill‑health and suicide, First Nations communities and other priority groups.
Public hearings will be held as part of the consultation process.
An interim report will be delivered ahead of the final review due October 2025.
Further information is available on the Productivity Commission’s site.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP
“Mental health and suicide prevention have been at the forefront of Australian Government action and investment.
“We have worked closely with state and territory governments to ensure people of all ages have access to appropriate and affordable services no matter where they live.
“This review will ensure any future arrangements are underpinned by a solid analysis of the current mental health and suicide prevention arrangements.”
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP
“Mental health touches every family and every community in Australia and is at the core of our national well‑being.
“We have invested billions in Medicare and mental health has been a big part of that so that services are more accessible and more available across the country.
“While the impacts on people are our primary concern, mental ill‑health also costs the economy tens of billions a year and these steps to strengthen the system help more broadly.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP
“The Albanese Government continues to have a strong focus on improving the mental health of all Australians.
“As part of our plan to strengthen Medicare we have expanded access to mental health support, including through our national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres.
“Through this review, we can make sure that our national mental health and suicide prevention agreements meet the growing need for affordable, accessible and timely care.”