Melbourne, Australia — Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, has been named an ambassador for Australians for Mental Health (AfMH), a national organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and systemic reform.
The partnership aims to drive significant improvements in mental health support and policy by fostering collaboration among businesses, government, and community stakeholders. AfMH executive director Chris Gambian expressed enthusiasm about Mu’s appointment, citing his extensive experience in the insurance sector.
“I am excited to announce that Damien Mu will be bringing his decades of expertise to our campaign to transform mental health care in Australia,” Gambian said.
Mu’s new role comes as part of AIA Australia’s long-standing commitment to mental health issues. For the past three years, the company has provided financial support to AfMH. Mu highlighted that his appointment as ambassador marks a deeper commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in the country.
“For the last three years, AIA Australia has contributed financially to Australians for Mental Health, supporting them in their mission to create fundamental change in how Australia manages mental health,” Mu said. “I’m thrilled to now join them as an ambassador to continue raising awareness and driving action.”
In a bid to improve mental health care accessibility, AIA Australia launched a new virtual service last month called “My Psychologist.” Developed in partnership with Online Psychologists Australia, the service enables users to book virtual appointments with licensed psychologists and facilitates referrals to telehealth-enabled general practitioners for Mental Health Care Plans, when needed.
Addressing Australia’s Mental Health Crisis
Mu has long been aware of the profound impact mental illness has on individuals and families, with mental health-related claims representing a growing share of AIA Australia’s income protection claims. Since 2019, claims related to mental health have surged by 72%. The growing need for mental health support aligns with broader national trends, where one in five Australians experiences mental health issues annually.
In 2023, 30% of Australian adults sought help from psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors, but systemic barriers remain. One significant challenge is the shortage of available mental health professionals, with nearly one-third of psychologists no longer accepting new clients, a sharp increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Affordability remains another critical issue. According to a YouGov survey, 21% of Australians consider mental health benefits a priority when selecting insurance plans. However, 56% of respondents reported that cost is a significant barrier to obtaining comprehensive mental health coverage.
Mu emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collaboration across sectors.
“Businesses, government, and non-profits must work together to solve societal issues,” Mu said. “As an ambassador, I will ensure that the voices of our customers navigating the healthcare system are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
The partnership between AIA Australia and AfMH underscores the growing demand for accessible and affordable mental health care and marks a continued effort to improve mental health services for all Australians.
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