CEO Update: A strong, independent National Mental Health Commission is key
6 November 2024
CEO Message
National Mental Health Commission reform: A strong and independent Commission is key
Accountability for government delivery of Australia’s mental health system has never been more important, as our community continues to face unprecedented challenges. To provide this accountability, Australia needs a truly independent National Mental Health Commission.
Empowered through legislation and properly resourced, the Commission has a critical role in advising government on mental health system performance and holding it to account.
This is the core of Mental Health Australia’s call in our contributions to the Australian Government’s consultation on strengthening the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office (referred to as the Commission), which closes on 18 November.
In our submission, which will be released shortly, Mental Health Australia makes a case for the establishment of the Commission as a statutory agency. This is critical for the Commission to independently provide feedback to the government on mental health system performance, which is backed by data, and informed by stakeholders, particularly the views and expertise of people with lived experience and their family, carers and supporters.
While the proposed future options for the Commission, as outlined in the Discussion Paper, align the Commission with the Department of Health and Aged Care, we believe that establishing the commission separately from the health portfolio is essential for independence.
Mental Health Australia’s submission also emphasises the importance of refocusing the Commission on mental health system monitoring and reporting. This was an area which was found lacking in the Independent Investigation of the Commission in 2023.
Given the interconnectedness of Commonwealth, State and Territory funded elements of Australia’s mental health system, there is a significant opportunity for the Commission to have the capacity to monitor the performance of these systems on a national basis. At a minimum, interjurisdictional data sharing would enable Governments, the community and the sector to have a better understanding of the performance of the entire mental health system, and how it could be improved.
In our submission, we also advocate for the inclusion of mental health promotion and preventive mental health in the Commission’s remit, given the growing emphasis on wellbeing and prevention in government policy, and the importance of greater investment in promotion and prevention to improve population-level mental health outcomes.
As I’ve spoken about previously, there is much more to do to respond to the mental health challenges the Australian community is facing, and we need all players across government, the mental health sector, community and business working together to achieve this change.
A renewed, independent National Mental Health Commission has a critical role in this collaboration, providing the accountability to keep governments – and us all – on track.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week
- Today I am meeting with the Embrace Alliance partners, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA).
- On Friday I will be participating in a consultation session on the reform of the National Mental Health Commission.
- I will be attending Mental Health Australia's Board meeting on Monday.
- On Tuesday, I will hosting Mental Health Australia's Member Policy Forum, and attending our 2024 Annual General Meeting and 2024 Grace Groom Memorial Oration, which is being delivered by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Mental Health Australia's submission on draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Mental Health Australia has provided a submission to the National Suicide Prevention Office’s consultation on their Draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
This submission supports the proposed whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention, and makes recommendations to support implementation of the strategy and strengthen recognition of the role of the mental health system in suicide prevention.
Click on the button below to view the submission.
Mental Health News
Federal Court allows National Disability Insurance Scheme Commission to commence civil action against Irabina Autism Services
The Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, has today confirmed that the Federal Court has granted permission to the Commissioner of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission to commence civil penalty proceedings against Irabina Autism Services.
Federal Government welcomes report into Australia's online safety laws
The Minister for Communications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, said the Albanese Government welcomes the final report of the independent statutory review of the Online Safety Act 2021 (the Act), which considered the current provisions in the Act and whether additional protections are needed to combat online harms, including new harms from emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence.
Over $3.7 million in grant funding for veteran wellbeing
Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Matt Keogh MP said the physical and mental wellbeing of Australia's veterans is a key priority for the Albanese Labor Government, announcing the allocation of more than $3.7 million to community organisations through the 2023-24 Veteran Wellbeing Grants program. Grants will be awarded to deliver community-based projects and activities that benefit veteran health and wellbeing, and include mentoring training, healthy cooking courses, trauma informed yoga workshops and music and sporting programs.
Greens announce plan to get mental health into Medicare
The Greens have announced a fully costed plan to provide unlimited mental health in Medicare as part of a plan for free mental healthcare. One of the party's 'Robin Hood' reforms, the plan will be paid for by taxing big corporations that are profiting off price gouging during a cost of living crisis, providing significant cost of living relief and enabling all Australians to get the mental healthcare they need.
First year of Medicare data shows increase to bulk billing
Medicare billing data shows the Australian Government’s investment to strengthen Medicare has created an additional 103,000 bulk-billed visits to the GP every week, on average, or 5.4 million additional bulk-billed visits since November last year. 2.2 million of the additional bulk billed visits were in rural and regional areas.
Radio interview with the Minister for the Environment and Water discussing the cost of mental health
In an interview with 2GB Radio Drive, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, discussed the Greens' call for mental health care to be covered by Medicare, the need to increase access to mental health services and expand the mental health workforce, and mental health supports including perinatal mental health centres, bulk billed video telehealth psychiatry consultations and Medicare mental health centres.
Lasting reform needed out of new Private Health CEO Forum
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the federal government's release of the summary report from the Private Hospital Sector Financial Health Check and announcement that the CEO Forum established as part of the review will continue. The AMA has been concerned about the sustainability of private hospitals and the impact of closures and service restrictions on critical areas including maternity or mental health, with the declining financial viability of many private hospitals a symptom of broader structural issues in the sector resulting from a lack of genuine reform.
Private hospital financial review confirms serious viability issues
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has welcomed the federal government's report on the Private Hospital Sector Financial Viability Health Check released on Monday, saying it confirms the sector is facing serious viability issues. CHA's Director of Health Policy says the report confirms that the private health sector is under severe and unprecedented funding pressure, especially in mental health and maternity care.
New report spotlights increasing alcohol and other drug harms in older Australians
The serious and increasing levels of harm older Australians face from alcohol and other drugs can no longer be ignored, a new Alcohol and Drug Foundation report has shown. The report analyses trends around alcohol and other drug harms in older Australians (aged 50 and above), highlighting particularly high levels of harm from alcohol and prescribed medications, with the use of multiple substances identified as one risk factor.
National Rural Health Month: time to spotlight rural health
November is National Rural Health Month and it’s time to spotlight rural communities and health care. Throughout November, the National Rural Health Alliance will share rural healthcare stories and highlight the success stories of rural healthcare champions. We will also draw attention to the myriad of issues faced by rural, regional and remote communities in Australia when trying to access health care.
The Black Dog Institute's Dr Helen Christensen AO named NSW Scientist of the Year (NSW)
Premier Chris Minns said Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO from UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute has been recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2024 Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering. Professor Christensen is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators, and educators being honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering, held at Government House in Sydney tonight. Professor Christensen’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her pioneering work in digital mental health research, which has significantly influenced mental health care practice both in Australia and internationally.
$21 million for alcohol and drug services in northern NSW, as Drug Summit begins in Lismore (NSW)
NSW Minister for Regional Health, the Hon. Ryan Park MP said the $21 million commitment over four years aims to enhance alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and support for people in Northern NSW. It includes $6.8 million for three new programs to be provided by not-for-profit AOD services and mental health organisation The Buttery.
$9.9 million for treatment services in Murrumbidgee as Drug Summit begins in Griffith (NSW)
The NSW Government's pledge of $9.84 million for alcohol and other drug treatment services in the Murrumbidgee region includes $3.6 million for new post-custodial support programs, $2 million to deliver a community-based withdrawal management, case management and counselling service for vulnerable populations and $4.24 million to roll out a new youth day program and counselling service.
Longest wait on record for mental health patients in EDs (NSW)
A lack of capacity in Australia's health system is failing patients suffering from poor mental health, with more patients needing acute care and waiting times for patients in emergency departments (ED) now the longest on record. The Australian Medical Association's Public hospital report card: mental health edition shows more patients with mental health-related conditions are arriving at emergency departments by ambulance or police services, and more are arriving in a critical condition needing urgent care.
Victoria's first Chief Addiction Medicine Adviser appointed (VIC)
The Allan Labor Government has appointed Victoria's first Chief Addiction Medicine Adviser. Dr Paul MacCartney will be the Government's principal adviser on issues related to addiction, drug use and harm reduction, and will help guide the development of Victoria's first ever Alcohol and Other Drugs strategy to address drug harms over the long-term.
South Australian inquiry into stillbirth (SA)
SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, the Hon. Chris Picton MP, says the extent and impact of stillbirth in South Australia will be the focus of a significant new inquiry that will investigate and report on stillbirth in SA, including follow-up care such as mental health support or care in subsequent pregnancies for parents after stillbirth.
Groundbreaking withdrawal service to open in the Kimberley (WA)
The Cook Labor Government has officially opened a first-of-its kind Aboriginal community-controlled withdrawal service in Kununurra, Western Australia. Delivered by Wunan, the Kimberley Withdrawal and Intervention Centre provides a low medical withdrawal service in the Kimberley region, keeping people with mental health and alcohol and other drug issues connected and close to home before receiving further treatment.
RAAFA's Andrew Russell Veteran Living program set to take-off (WA)
The Cook Government has announced a $5 million Lotterywest grant to support the construction of emergency accommodation for veterans at risk of homelessness under the Royal Australian Air Force Association Western Australia (RAAFA WA) branch's Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program, which connects veterans to essential services, including mental health support.
Farewell to Anti-Discrimination Commissioner (TAS)
Ms Sarah Bolt will conclude her role as Anti-Discrimination Commissioner effective from 19 November 2024. Ms Bolt has held the position of Anti-Discrimination Commissioner since 2017 and during this time has been a strong advocate for the rights of all Tasmanians and the importance of upholding a society free from discrimination.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
Advocating for the sexual safety of consumers in mental health inpatient units
Research identifies mental health inpatient units as high-risk environments for breaches of sexual safety.
The feeling of being safe in a mental health inpatient unit, free from coercion, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual activity, for consumers of all ages is a serious topic and a fundamental human right.
The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) is advocating for a rights-based approach, mandatory staff training, standardised national guidelines, and more accessible information in relation to the sexual safety of those in mental health inpatient units.
Help advocate for sexual safety in mental health inpatient units by sharing these resources
There are important steps you can take to advocate for improved sexual safety in mental health inpatient units. This includes sharing the resources developed by the NMHCCF, including a recording of the webinar hosted by the NMHCCF’s Advocacy Working Group last week, using the links and attachments provided below.
To make the most of this information, please:
- Circulate the advocacy brief and media release.
- Circulate the link to the recorded webinar, a conversation with three high profile panellists – the Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Chief Psychiatrist and South Australia’s Deputy Chief Psychiatrist.
- Use the advocacy brief recommendations to inform your advocacy, policies, and practices.
Webinar feedback: tell us what you think
The NMHCCF is also seeking feedback from attendees on last week's webinar. Click on the link below to access a brief 5-minute evaluation survey.
Reminder: Consultation on reforms to the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office
The Department of Health and Aged Care is leading consultation on reforms to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO), part of a process of reform to reset and strengthen the NMHC and NSPO announced in the 2024-25 Budget.
The reforms respond to the findings of the 2023 Independent Investigation into the Commission and aims to position the NMHC and NSPO for long-term success.
A Discussion Paper has been prepared to help frame input. Responses to the paper can be submitted via the Online Survey: Strengthening the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office. The consultation closes on 18 November 2024.
Update on NDIS legislation changes – frequently asked questions
There have recently been changes to the NDIS Act. From 3 October 2024 the most important changes included:
- participants can only use their NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports
- new and reviewed plans will show total budget amounts, funding component amounts, and funding periods
- the NDIA can change plan management type if people need help managing their funds.
Information about these changes is available on the NDIS website, including frequently asked questions.
NDIS Pricing consultations
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is running consultations on NDIS Pricing. The NDIS Review recommended the Australian Government should transition responsibility for advising on NDIS pricing to IHACPA. The Australian Government has not yet announced whether it will implement this recommendation. In this consultation process IHACPA is looking to hear about:
- what you think is important to consider in pricing the NDIS
- how pricing approaches can best operate
- what does and doesn't work.
You can contribute via workshops (both in person and online), online submissions, answering a list of questions or sharing ideas in Easy Read. Find out more about this consultation process by visiting the IHACPA website.
Have your say: Consultations underway to inform design and delivery of Foundational Supports
Foundational Supports are additional supports for people with disability. They will sit alongside the NDIS and existing services in the community.
The Australian Government wants to hear from people with disability, parents, families and the sector to help design Foundational Supports.
There will be different types of Foundational Supports. The Department of Social Services is starting consultation on just some of these supports, called general supports. These are for all people with disability aged under 65. Depending on your interests, you can join discussions about supports like:
- information and advice
- self-advocacy
- peer supports
- capacity building.
Have your say before 30 November 2024 by:
- adding to an online ideas wall
- completing an online questionnaire or uploading a submission
- attending an event near you or online.
Visit www.engage.dss.gov.au/Foundational-Supports to have your say or for more information.
Community Charity Deductible Gift Recipient Framework
Treasury invites feedback on the Taxation Administration (Community Charity) Guidelines 2024 exposure draft. The guidelines apply to deductible gift recipients (DGRs) under the community charity categories. Community charities must follow the guidelines to receive and maintain DGR endorsement. The guidelines outline requirements for: governance; record keeping; allowed activities. Community charities must also follow obligations for registered charities.
Email charitiesconsultation@treasury.gov.au for further information.
Alcohol and other drugs inquiry: transcripts from recent public hearings
Transcripts of recent hearings of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport – Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia are now available.
Witnesses who have appeared so far include Mental Health Australia members the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Access the transcripts at the button below.
Disability Law Network seminar: Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health
The Disability Law Network held a seminar in September on Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health. A recording of the seminar is available on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/XCMQ9Awl4Jo
Moderated by Emeritus Professor McSherry, a panel of academic and lived experience experts including Professor Nicola Reavley and Maria Katsonis discuss types of stigma and discrimination, and why it is crucial to reduce them, and the National Mental Health Commission's recent National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy.
Learn more at the button below.
It's the last chance for young people aged 12 - 18 to complete the third national online survey on body image. The BodyKind Youth Survey helps Butterfly understand the body image experiences of young Australians and get young peoples’ views on what needs to change to create a more BodyKind Australia.
Participants can win one of 20 gift vouchers.
Further information and a link to the survey is available at the button below.
Invitation: Co-design workshops for health professionals and young people, Brain and Mind Centre
The University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre is recruiting mental health professionals (clinicians, service managers, and administrators) and young people (aged 18 - 30 years) to participate in a series of 3-hour workshops to test and co-design an AI-enabled digital mental health tool prototype and explore attitudes about AI and clinical decision support tools.
Contact Dr Adam (Ads) Poulsen (adam.poulsen@sydney.edu.au) for more information or register and share the workshop links below.
Workshop details:
- Workshop for Health Professionals – 19 November 2024
10.00 am - 1.00 pm, Level 5, King Street, Newtown NSW 2042
Click here to consent and register - Workshop for Young People – date TBC
Times TBC, Level 5, King Street, Newtown NSW 2042
Click here to consent and register.
Help improve professional development for the youth mental health workforce
Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, is seeking to understand the learning needs of the youth mental health workforce in a short survey.
Mental health professionals who work with young people aged 12 to 25 are invited to help shape the future of professional development in youth mental health in The THRIVE Project: Exploring self-directed learning in youth mental health workforce survey. Survey participants can also win a $100 gift voucher.
The survey closes 25 January 2025 and can be accessed at the button below.
Professional Peer Reflection Groups 2025
Registrations have opened for the Australian Society of Psychological Medicine's (ASPM) 2025 Professional Peer Reflection Groups.
Since 2015, ASPM has been at the forefront of promoting Reflective Practice. They have successfully organised Peer Reflection Groups and continue to provide training for group facilitators who now lead professional groups throughout Australia.
An early bird rate is on offer for registration before 20 December 2024. Learn more at the button below.
Seeking mental health prevention professionals!
Survey of Community Attitudes to Prevention of Mental Health Problems
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are conducting a survey to understand community attitudes to the prevention of mental health problems, and actions taken to support mental health. Professionals with expertise in mental health prevention in practice, healthcare, policy, or research settings are invited to take part in an online survey to help identify ways to improve attitudes to prevention in Australia. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes.
For more information, please contact Ellie Tsiamis ellie.tsiamis@unimelb.edu.au or Professor Nicola Reavley nreavley@unimelb.edu.au, or click the button below.
Participants needed for a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation trial
The Australian National University (ANU) is seeking participants for a trial exploring a novel approach to treating depression using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Participants will be randomised to receive four weeks of treatment at no cost, with treatment provided at the ANU and in Belconnen, ACT.
Suitable participants will have:
- A diagnosis of major depression
- Moderate to severe current symptoms of depression
- An inadequate response to at least two treatments.
Contact the research team for more information at freed.smp@anu.edu.au.
ANZACATA Conference 2024, 15 - 16 November, Melbourne
The 2024 Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) Conference is being held at the Ibis Melbourne this November. The program includes special guest presenters Dr Dave Gussak (Florida State University) and Professor Rainbow Tin Hung Ho (University of Hong Kong), and optional workshops.
Find out more at the button below.
Register now for the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health
Spanning three days across 19 - 22 November, the Conference main program will be offered over eleven concurrent streams each day. The diverse range of topics covered in each stream will explore the intersection between social workers and Health and Mental Health care.
Blending keynote and featured speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions and workshops, the Conference program will bring forward new concepts, discuss existing practices and give attendees the most up to date subject knowledge available.
Learn more at the button below.
Queensland Mental Health Commission Leading Reform Summit 2024
Sofitel Brisbane, 27 - 28 November 2024
Please note: This event is currently at capacity, join the waitlist to be notified if tickets become available.
The Leading Reform Summit is the Queensland Mental Health Commission's annual two-day forum for leaders in Queensland's mental health, alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention and associated human services sectors. It's a forum for leaders, people with lived and living experience, carers, frontline clinicians and workers, service providers, policy-makers, funders, planners and decision-makers.
Learn more at the button below.
Reminder: Occupational Therapy Australia’s OT Mental Health Forum 2024, Melbourne
Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) OT Mental Health Forum 2024 is on in Melbourne on 28 - 29 November.
Inpsiring keynote speakers, panel sessions, ePosters, workshops and more offer something for everyone working in mental health occupational therapy, over two full days. Don’t forget to use #MHF24 hashtag and tag Occupational Therapy Australia!
Explore the full program here: https://www.otausevnts.com.au/cmspreview/mentalhealthforum2024/program-agenda
National Care and Support Sector Conference 2025, 25 July 2025, Perth
The National Care and Support Sector Conference brings the Disability, Aged Care, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education and Care and Veterans' Care sectors together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for providers at a time of rapid reform.
The conference aims to gather insights that will help shape reform, ensuring the voices of sector leaders, providers, and individuals with lived experience are heard at the highest policy-making levels.
Learn more at the button below.
Featured Members
Lived Experience Australia was formed in 2002, is a company limited by guarantee and is the national representative organisation for mental health consumers and carers with a strong focus on the private sector. We have State Advisory Forums in all Australian states and the ACT and make a difference in systemic advocacy by being informed about issues facing people with mental ill-health, their families and carers. We use our lived experience perspectives to influence mental health policy, planning and decision making at local, state and national levels and have developed a number of resources to support advocacy and clinician e-learning tools.
One Door Mental Health is a leading NSW mental health and NDIS service provider, specialising in supporting people living with complex and enduring mental illness and their families and carers. The organisation has been operating since 1985 when it was established as a partnership between consumers, carers, and mental health professionals under the name ‘The Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW’. This partnership remains at the heart of everything we do as we work towards a future where people living with mental illness are valued and treated as equals. One Door Mental Health delivers psychosocial, clinical, and carer supports through our purpose-driven approach, ‘Recovery 2gether’. Together with our extensive history of delivering high quality in-person community supports, Recovery 2gether generates connection and positive outcomes, using recovery-principles and trauma-informed practices to build on the strengths of the people we support.
Share your news, job vacancies, or upcoming events to more than 5,000 people in the mental health sector each week.
Mental Health Australia members are invited to send us news, announcements, job vacancies, events or other notices for inclusion in the Weekly CEO Update newsletter. To do so, simply fill out this form by COB each Monday for your notice to appear in the newsletter.
If you are interested in being featured in our newsletter, please note that promotions in the Weekly CEO Update are one of many member benefits. Apply for a full or associate membership to take part in advocacy at the national level. For more information or to register your organisation, follow this link.