Prominent mental health advocate, Matt Berriman, Chair of Mental Health Australia, has criticized the Australian government’s perceived inaction on mental health issues, asserting that the Prime Minister has not adequately demonstrated commitment to the cause, especially in the wake of significant cuts to Medicare-funded psychology sessions.
Berriman is scheduled to address federal MPs and express his concerns about the lack of progress in addressing mental health challenges, with a particular focus on the impact of the rising cost of living on Australians’ mental well-being. Recent research indicates that more than half of Australians are affected by these financial concerns.
In his upcoming speech, Berriman will question the absence of the Prime Minister’s leadership on mental health reform, emphasizing that mental health should be a national priority given that one in five Australians is affected by a mental health condition annually, and suicide rates remain high.
The federal government’s decision to reduce the number of Medicare-subsidized psychology sessions from 20 to 10 last year has drawn criticism from the mental health community. While the move increased access to mental health services for many, it left individuals with complex mental health issues lacking adequate support. The government has yet to respond to the review of the mental health system conducted last year, which highlighted issues such as lengthy wait times (a median of 22 days) and substantial out-of-pocket expenses (an average of $90).
In response to these challenges, the Labor Party has taken some steps, including the establishment of peak bodies for carers and individuals with mental illness, funding for 500 new post-graduate psychology placements, and the creation of 61 Head to Health centers for mental health support. However, Mental Health Australia and other advocates argue that more substantive reforms are needed.
Berriman will call for a comprehensive, whole-of-government commitment to address the shortcomings of the mental health system, describing it as “dysfunctional and underfunded.” He will emphasize that the urgency and significance of mental health reform cannot be understated and has been overlooked for too long.
Mental Health Australia, representing over 80 member organizations, has specific recommendations, including the development and funding of a multi-year mental health roadmap and workforce strategy. They advocate for increased access to early intervention and digital mental health support, particularly for those at risk of escalating issues. Additionally, they call for expanded services for individuals requiring more than 10 psychologist sessions annually, along with funding for psychosocial services outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Ipsos research commissioned by Mental Health Australia highlights the impact of the rising cost of living on mental health, with 59% of Australians expressing concern about this issue, especially housing costs. For one in five Australians, financial barriers hinder access to mental health support. However, when individuals can access support, 93% reported an improvement in their mental health.
Chief Executive of Mental Health Australia, Carolyn Nikoloski, emphasized that many critical recommendations from a 2020 Productivity Commission report on the mental health system have yet to be addressed. She called for clear roles and responsibilities for mental health at various levels of government and the sector, enhanced regional planning, and improved accountability mechanisms.
In conclusion, Berriman and mental health advocates are urging the government to focus on tangible outcomes and accountability rather than rhetoric. They argue that inaction on mental health reform exacerbates the existing disparities in mental health care, leaving millions of Australians without the necessary support. Berriman is also calling for long-term funding and vision to rectify these disparities beyond budget cycles, particularly as Australia prepares for the 2025 federal election. The government has not yet provided a response to these criticisms.
