Mental health advocacy groups have voiced disappointment with the government’s commitment to establishing a digital platform for individuals with less complex mental health needs, asserting that greater funding for additional workers is urgently required.
The federal government has announced a $588 million investment over an eight-year period to establish a “low intensity digital mental health service,” aimed at addressing the needs of approximately 150,000 individuals experiencing temporary periods of distress.
The proposed platform is expected to offer access to up to 10 free telehealth sessions with counselors or social workers for low-intensity issues, such as relationship breakdowns, along with coaching to equip individuals with tools to navigate their challenges independently. Contrary to expectations, the government has clarified that the service will not be app-based and will involve human intervention rather than artificial intelligence. The model is reportedly inspired by the UK’s Talking Therapies approach.
While Mental Health Australia had included the digital service in its pre-budget wishlist, CEO Carolyn Nikoloski stressed the importance of collaboration with the sector and drawing lessons from successful existing models like the government-funded MindSpot. Nikoloski emphasized that the effectiveness of the initiative would hinge on the specifics of its implementation.
The government plans to allocate up to 18 months for consultation and co-designing of the platform, although details regarding its operational mechanics beyond online and phone-based delivery are yet to be finalized.
Labor has faced pressure to bolster mental health support, particularly after allowing a COVID-era measure for discounted psychology sessions to lapse, resulting in a reduction of subsidized visits. Health Minister Mark Butler defended the move, asserting that the previous Better Access program was not universally accessible and required reevaluation.
Beyond Blue welcomed the funding as a significant step towards overdue structural reform but cautioned that it fell short of the comprehensive overhaul required to adequately support individuals with mental health challenges and their caregivers. CEO Georgie Harman highlighted the need for a holistic approach spanning from emerging distress to severe and complex needs.
In addition to the digital mental health service funding, the government has committed nearly $30 million to rebranding Head to Health service centers as “Medicare Mental Health centers” to enhance public awareness. However, concerns persist about the insufficient investment in expanding the mental health workforce, as noted by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). RANZCP cautiously welcomed the rebranding initiative but underscored the necessity of substantial workforce growth to address the unmet demand for mental health care across Australia effectively.
Without significant investment in workforce expansion and data-backed strategies, mental health care access and treatment may remain inadequate for many Australians, warns RANZCP President Elizabeth Moore. The urgent need for targeted investment in mental health workforce development cannot be overstated, she emphasizes, as it directly impacts the delivery of life-saving mental health interventions and support.
