Australians for Mental Health (AFMH), a national member-based advocacy organisation, has coordinated a call from leaders in the mental health, insurance, and healthcare sectors for the Albanese Government to accelerate the release of its $1 billion election commitment for community-based mental health services – with the call having received backing from one prominent CEO.
Christine Cupitt, CEO of the Council of Australian Life Insurers, was among those to sign an open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers, in which AFMH and its co-signatories said the mental health crisis is holding productivity back and that any plan to increase it must address mental health as a central component of national wellbeing.
Figures in the letter show that 43% of Australians will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime. Mental ill-health is one of the leading causes of temporary and permanent disability for workers under 30. Two in five young Australians are now affected, a figure that has risen 50% since 2007. Workplace mental health injuries, the group noted, often result in more Australians leaving the workforce for good.
The Productivity Commission estimates the annual economic cost of mental ill-health at up to $220 billion, or $8,800 for each Australian. The letter says millions endure needless personal distress and avoidable financial hardship.
The coalition called for three policy actions. First, the development of a whole-of-government approach, including national mental health targets and departmental accountability. Second, equitable and timely access to treatment for all Australians, supported by funding for quality community-based services and the use of both public and private healthcare systems. Third, investment in education, training, and workforce expansion to ensure an adequate supply of mental health professionals.
Other signatories to the letter include Carolyn Nikoloski, CEO of Mental Health Australia; Allan Fells, former chair of the National Mental Health Commission; Dr Astha Tomar, president of RANZCP; Rachel David, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia; Colin Tate AM, founder and managing director of Conexus Financial; Chris Gambian, executive director of Australians for Mental Health; Professor Pat McGorry, executive director of Orygen Youth Mental Health; Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain & Mind Centre at the University of Sydney; and Phillipa Thomas, CEO of Mental Health Victoria.
The group expressed readiness to work with government to make what they described as “a new vision for the Australian economy and its people” a reality.
The $1 billion commitment was announced as part of the government’s election pledge. Advocates now say the next step is to ensure funding flows quickly to provide more Australians with access to mental health care.
Do you think prioritising mental health funding is an effective way to address Australia’s productivity concerns?
