About Us

Mental Health Australia is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians. It was established in 1997 as the first independent peak body in Australia to represent the full spectrum of mental health stakeholders and issues. Mental Health Australia members include national organisations representing consumers, carers, special needs groups, clinical service providers, professional bodies, public and private mental health service providers, researchers and state/territory community mental health peak bodies.

Mental Health Australia aims to promote mentally healthy communities, educate Australians on mental health issues, influence mental health reform so that government policies address all contemporary mental health issues, conduct research on mental health issues, and carry out regular consultation to represent the best interests of our members, partners and the community. These endeavours in education and policy reform are matched by our commitment to researching more innovative approaches to the provision of mental health care. In addition, Mental Health Australia continues to focus on the human rights of people with a mental illness.

One in five Australians are affected by mental illness annually. We cannot afford to be complacent in our efforts to achieve changes to our mental health care system when we consider the impact of mental ill-health on our community.

Our vision

Mentally healthy people, mentally healthy communities.

Our mission

To create the best mental health system in the world.

Annual Report

Read our latest Annual Report and Financial Report.
 

Strategic Plan 2021-2024

To deliver on our vision for Mentally healthy people, mentally healthy communities, our work up to 2024 focuses on the following core objectives:

1. Promote a national voice for those with lived experience of mental illness and for those who love and care for them.

2. Highlight the social determinants for mental ill health and advocate for lasting changes across the whole ecosystem.

3. Deliver value to our members and the wider mental health ecosystem.

Download our full Strategic Plan 2021-2024 here.

Feedback and Complaints Guidelines

Mental Health Australia is committed to responding to complaints and providing feedback in a professional and consistent matter that complies the expectations of the public and its members. This document outlines the feedback process so that all responses provided are done fairly and within a timely manner. You will find the Feedback and Complaints Guidelines at the bottom of this page.

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct provides a framework of ethical principles, obligations and standards that guide work performance, professional standards, and the conduct of relationships with others.  Given the diverse range of activities in which officers are involved on a day-to-day basis, the Code does not attempt to provide a detailed and exhaustive list of what should be done in every work situation. Instead, the Code represents a broad framework for ethical conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to the Board, Managers, Employees, Contractors, Consultants, and any other persons who undertake duties for, or who otherwise represent Mental Health Australia.

High standards of integrity and ethical behaviour are required of any person who is carrying out duties for or on behalf of Mental Health Australia.

Our Constitution

This Constitution was adopted by the members of Mental Health Australia Ltd at the 9 October 2014 Annual General Meeting and amended by a special resolution carried at the Annual General Meeting of Full Members on 28 November 2023.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for Mental Health Australia and we strive to create an inclusive culture and systems in which difference is recognised and valued.  By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and giving everyone the opportunity to contribute their skills, experience and perspectives we believe we are in the best position to represent and promote the interests of the Australian mental health sector.

What Equity, Diversity and Inclusion means for us

• Embracing workforce and stakeholder diversity - age, gender, disability, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, pregnancy, marital or relationship status, family responsibility, breastfeeding, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, trans-sexuality or intersex status, language, union affiliation and political conviction,
• Valuing diversity of perspective – leveraging the diverse thinking, skills, experience and working styles of our employees, consumer groups, members and stakeholders
• Building a flexible organisation – providing opportunities for work arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of individuals at different career and life stages
• Respecting stakeholder diversity – developing strong and sustainable relationships with diverse employees, consumer groups, members, stakeholders, communities and the government.

How we support Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion aligns with our values of Equity & Social Justice, Inclusiveness & Collaboration, Tolerance & Understanding of Diversity, Responsiveness to Need, Integrity & Diligence and Professional Competence and is reflected in our code of conduct and other employment policies. 

Equity, diversity and inclusion are sponsored at the highest levels in the organisation, including the Board, CEO and the Executive Management Team.

Our managers are expected to build diversity into their teams and to demonstrate, through their behaviours and actions, commitment to fostering workplaces where people feel included, valued and able to contribute their best. In accordance with our values, all of our employees are expected to demonstrate respect for their colleagues and teamwork.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We employ on the basis of role requirements and we select people to roles based on their qualifications, skills and experience.