Thank you Emma, it’s a pleasure to be here.
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
I extend that respect to other First Nations people with us today.
Thank you, Irene Clelland,CEO of Arafmi, for inviting me to speak today.
I also acknowledge:
Ivan Frkovic, Commissioner, Qld Mental Health
De Backman-Hoyle, National Manager Community Engagement, Mental Health Carers Australia.
And everyone here with a lived and living experience of mental health, including carers, family and kin.
I’m honoured to have been reappointed as the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
And I’m keen to continue our work together.
I believe we have momentum.
Momentum from dedication, compassion, and strength in this room and beyond.
Your support makes a significant difference to the lives of those living with mental health challenges.
Your lived experience continues to shape how we understand and improve mental health systems here in Queensland and across Australia.
I’m personally grateful for the advice and contribution that so many have so generously given.
The Australian Government recognises that people with lived experience, including families, carers and kin, have a central role in shaping systems and services.
I want to continue to make sure your voices are central to meaningful change.
Our government has invested $7.5 million to set up and run 2 independent national mental health lived-experience peak bodies: one representing consumers and the other representing families, carers and kin.
The National Mental Health Peak Body for Families, Carers and Kin, led by Mental Health Carers Australia, is a big step towards people with lived and living experience of caring for those with mental ill-health having a say in mental health system and services.
I’m pleased that all states and territories are represented on the board, with Arafmi being the Queensland representative.
We understand that Australia’s 3 million unpaid carers make a significant contribution in our community.
The development of a new National Carer Strategy was an election commitment from the first term of the Albanese Government.
This strategy is a step forward for carers broadly.
But we must go further.
Mental health carers face unique and complex challenges, and it is vital that we deepen our understanding and strengthen the support available to meet the specific needs of carers.
We want carers to feel valued and to know they have the support they need to live full lives while caring.
We heard from stakeholders, including Arafmi and Mental Health Carers Australia, about the discrimination associated with mental health, leading many to avoid identifying as carers to protect the person they are caring for.
It highlights the very real fact that carers of people with mental ill-health have specific challenges and their own support needs.
I know that mental health is also a critical issue for carers themselves.
The relentless nature of caregiving often leaves carers physically and emotionally exhausted.
During consultations, 86 per cent of carers reported challenges in maintaining their own mental wellbeing.
As a specialist mental health pharmacist who worked in a busy regional hospital, I know it’s hard seeing someone you care about in distress or crisis.
It can take a toll on your own wellbeing.
Which is why our new Medicare Mental Health Centres are designed to support carers too.
We’re rolling out a network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country. More than 40 are now open including services located outside our major cities with more to come.
Centres provide a safe and welcoming place where everyone can access free and confidential mental health support.
They offer immediate support for people in distress, including their family and carers.
And services are free for everyone who walks in the door, with no appointment or referral needed.
I am pleased to hear that in Queensland, ARAFMI works in partnership with Carer Gateway service provider, Wellways, to deliver supports and services to mental health carers.
The Australian Government commits nearly $200 million each year to support carers through Carer Gateway.
This funding helps provide services, information, early intervention and build capacity to improve wellbeing and long-term outcomes for carers.
Your input on how this can work better to support mental health carers is always welcome.
I think we can agree that a lot of work has been done but more is needed.
And I want you to know that the voices of mental health carers will be heard every step of the way.
I have a deep appreciation for your advice and willingness to share your insights and experiences.
Australia’s mental health system reforms are stronger for it.
Thank you all for your advocacy and generosity in sharing your lived experience.
Thank you.