Better health and ageing for all Australians

Mental health

Information about action to build a stronger, more transparent, accountable, efficient and effective mental health system.

In case of crisis, please contact:

Lifeline
13 11 14 (24 hour crisis hotline)
www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
Online counselling available at www.kidshelpline.com.au

Mensline
1300 78 99 78
www.menslineaus.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Free nationwide counselling
1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Want to come back to this page another time?
You can get to this page using the short URL
www.health.gov.au/mentalhealth

What's new

  • Partners in Recovery organisations
    On 5 April 2013, the Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, announced that 49 of the 61 Medicare Local regions are ready for stage one of the Partners in Recovery rollout.

National mental health reform

Several other Australian Government departments are involved in mental health reform activities:

Ten year roadmap for national mental health reform

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the Roadmap for national mental health reform 2012-2022 at its meeting on 7 December 2012.

2011-12 budget package

In the May federal budget, a $1.5 billion mental health package to fund National Mental Health Reform was announced. The mental health reform fact sheets outline the range of initiatives contained in the National Mental Health Reform package.

Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package

Taking Action to Tackle Suicide, a 2010 election commitment, provides funding to raise awareness of suicide risk, to help those at risk of taking their own lives, and to assist those bereaved by suicide.

Mental health programs

Australia has long been a leader in treating and caring for people with mental illness but more needs to be done. Current programs and activity in this area provide a solid foundation for further reform.

Mental health publications

The Department of Health and Ageing has produced a range of publications that outline programs and activity in the mental health area.

Mental health and suicide data

Links to national mental health and suicide data publications, including those produced from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, the National mental health report series and Causes of death, Australia data.

Mental health matters

Updates on reform from the Minister for Mental Health:

Consumer and carer participation

The important role of the mental health consumer and carer sector in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and services is recognised and supported by all governments under the National Mental Health Strategy.

Mental health sector consultation

As part of its broad stakeholder engagement strategy to inform consideration of future mental health options, the Australian Government is using a range of mechanisms to consult with the sector.

Other information