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*Acknowledgements omitted*
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian National Mental Health Prize, and this is the 4th year in a row I’ve had the honour of helping to present these important awards.
And it’s exciting for me - as it is for the organisers - to see how the awards, and those who are recognised with them, are evolving.
That these National awards now honour and acknowledge lived experience leadership, Indigenous leadership, community heroes and professional excellence.
Recognising the many ways in which individuals contribute to improving mental health support and care.
Our government is strongly committed to working alongside you to improve the mental health and well-being of Australians here in New South Wales and across the nation.
Making sure more Australians can access mental health care when and where they need it.
We’re making progress – and I have to, again, thank all the people who’ve provided advice and guidance to us as we make these changes, some of whom are here today.
This financial year we’re committing $7.8 billion to mental health and suicide prevention.
But the transformation isn't simply about increasing funding, important as that is.
It’s about delivering better care, earlier intervention and building stronger partnerships.
And, we’re starting to see results.
Only a few weeks ago, I was delighted officially open the 50th Medicare Mental Health Centre – in Campbelltown.
We are well on the way to delivering 91 centres across the country where people can walk-in to a welcoming place and seek support.
Without an appointment. Without a referral. For free.
We recognise people with lived experience of mental health challenges and suicide, including families and carers, are central to shaping better systems and services.
Which is why this year we’ve established the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia.
Their voices guide us in making care more responsive and compassionate.
That’s why care and support is changing and every Medicare Mental Health Centre includes peer workers.
They have a vital role in creating a welcoming environment, helping people feel understood and supported when they are seeking help.
I’ve spoken to people who’ve walked into these centres, in distress, and found the support they needed.
We remain on track to deliver our other commitments too.
Like Perinatal Mental Health Centres for expectant and new parents.
An expanded and upgraded headspace network, new Youth Specialist Care Centres, and Kids hubs for children and their families.
A new National Early Intervention Service is coming next year to provide free mental health support to people wherever they live.
And implementing First Nations mental health and suicide prevention programs, including in partnership with Gayaa Dhuwi.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre, formerly housed within the Black Dog Institute, has transitioned to an independent, First Nations-led organisation—making sure that lived experience guides our national approach to mental health and suicide prevention.
At the same time – we are building the mental health and lived experience workforce.
We’re funding more than 1,200 extra training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
With special attention to First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and rural and remote areas.
Our goal is to make sure more Australians can access the mental health care they need by meeting people where they are – providing support sooner, before distress becomes crisis.
And in this – you are pacesetters.
Your contributions, your research, your leadership, and your lived experience are transforming mental health in Australia.
That is what these awards are all about and why their impact extends well beyond the people taking part.
I do believe they have been and continue to be a catalyst for change.
Congratulations to all the nominees.
And thank you all, once more, for your ongoing contributions to improving mental health care in Australia.
Let’s keep working together. Let’s keep driving change. And let’s help create a healthier and fairer Australia together.
Thank you.