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*Acknowledgements omitted*
Good morning everyone.
It’s good to be with you today to kick off the AI in Mental Health roundtable.
Thank you to the Black Dog Institute for the invitation.
Bringing together today’s discussion is just one way your institute is leading in research, clinical services and digital innovation.
And thank you to each of you for being here today.
You bring expertise from government, the mental health sector, clinical practice, consumer advocacy and AI development.
Together, I believe we have a unique opportunity to share insights and explore how we can – safely and ethically – use artificial intelligence to improve the mental health and well-being of Australians.
As a mental health practitioner, I saw firsthand the impact mental health challenges can have on people’s lives.
That experience continues to guide me in this role.
Because mental health is health, it’s central to how we live, work and connect.
And it’s why I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to delivering better, more accessible mental health care for every Australian.
Care that meets people where they are and supports them with compassion.
Today, we’re talking about the role of artificial intelligence in that care.
AI is already changing the way we deliver mental health support.
Two in five mental health professionals are using AI tools in their practice – mostly to help with paperwork, research and reporting.
And more than one in four Australians have used AI tools for mental health support themselves.
We know AI can help remove barriers like cost, distance, discrimination and wait times.
It can offer support in regional and remote communities, and provide timely help when people need it most.
But we also know AI carries risks.
And those risks are not felt equally.
People who are already disadvantaged – because of where they live, their income, their culture or their identity – are more likely to experience harm when AI is used without appropriate consideration of their individual needs.
That’s why safety, ethics and transparency must be central to everything we do.
The Albanese Government’s approach to AI focuses on capturing the opportunities of AI, making sure the benefits are shared widely and keeping Australian’s safe.
Making AI a national priority was one of the areas of consensus from the Economic Reform Roundtable in August 2025.
And, we are developing a plan to foster AI innovation and embed safety and trust at every step. The Plan will build on work already underway across government and draw on Australia’s unique strengths to make sure AI delivers for everyone.
In addition, the Government’s AI governance framework is designed to make sure that AI within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is used responsibly.
We’re investing in cyber security, privacy protections and continuous improvement.
We’re also supporting innovation – through research, pilot programs and workforce development.
Since 2023, our government has invested nearly half a billion dollars in digital mental health programs, including crisis support and services for priority populations.
These services are free or low-cost, available nationally and designed to reduce barriers to care.
They include online therapy, peer support forums, webchat and clinician-guided programs.
Just last week we reached a key milestone in announcing Medicare Mental Health Check In, our new national early intervention service.
Increasingly, our programs are integrating AI to support prevention, early intervention and care for moderate to severe mental health challenges.
Technology is an important part of the solution.
We also need to nurture a system that is grounded in people.
That listens to lived experience.
We need to make sure that AI supports, not replaces, the human relationships which are so central to recovery and wellbeing.
And we need to keep asking questions – about consent, about data, about equity and fairness.
That’s what today is about.
It’s about bringing together diverse perspectives to shape a shared vision for the future of AI in mental health care.
A future where innovation is guided by compassion.
Where technology is used to foster connection, not replace it.
Where every person can access support that is safe, compassionate and effective.
I look forward to hearing about the outcomes of today’s conversations and working with you to realise the promise of AI as a valuable tool to improve lives.
Thank you for being here and thank you for the work you do every day to improve mental health and wellbeing across Australia.