Opportunities for reform and leadership
This week we have seen promising opportunities for system reform.
On Tuesday Minster Shorten spoke about the need to ‘reboot’ the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in his National Press Club ‘state of the union’ Address. Minister Shorten spoke of a system that ‘lacks empathy, gouges on prices, is too complex, and often traumatising to deal with’. While the vision for the NDIS has clearly not matched its implementation, Minister Shorten outlined six policy directions for reform, including a focus on increasing community and mainstream supports.
We welcome these policy changes. Mental Health Australia has continually called for a community-focused mental health system, and the urgent analysis and remediation of gaps in psychosocial support services outside of the NDIS. I extend my thanks to those Mental Health Australia members who are informing our response to the NDIS Review via our recent Members Policy Hubs, the second meeting of which was held only yesterday. These Member Policy Hubs engage members on the policy priorities of the day and ensure that we are advocating for their voices to be heard and counted.
While Minister Shorten’s address focused on the NDIS, there is also hope for reform in other systems that impact on mental health. The recommendations this week from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee to increase the Job Seeker rate is a good example of where investing in portfolios outside health would directly improve mental health. I’m looking forward to this holistic approach to measuring and tracking community wellbeing being reflected in Government’s upcoming ‘Measuring what matters’ statement.
Alongside these significant opportunities for system reform, I’ve been reminded this week of the power and importance of leadership, across all areas of society, to achieve change.
Leading by example could not be better demonstrated by the legacy left by the late Father Bob Maguire, who captured Australia’s hearts through his authenticity, compassion, and inclusivity. Equally, we recognise the astounding maturity and eloquence of our emerging leaders – the next generation of leaders stepping up and speaking out. Daniel Cash, we applaud you for your frank, brave and articulate leadership this week.
On Tuesday, Minister Shorten rightly acknowledged ‘the best way to safeguard the integrity of the NDIS is to put more people with lived experience in leadership roles’. We recognise the generations of lived experience and carer leaders who have championed reform of Australia’s mental health system, and the many lived experience and carer leaders who we have the privilege of working alongside in continuing this work.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week - Next week I continue my introductory meetings with Mental Health Australia Board Members and my regular meetings with colleagues
- On Thursday I’ll be opening the My Health Record webinar, hosted by Mental Health Australia in collaboration with the Australian Digital Health Agency
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Yes 23
Earlier this month the Mental Health Australia Board Directors agreed unanimously to Mental Health Australia’s public support for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The Board noted the unequivocal links between identity, recognition and genuine engagement in policy development, and social and emotional wellbeing. As the national peak, it is vital and appropriate given the links to mental health, for Mental Health Australia to take a leadership role in the sector in supporting the Yes campaign for the upcoming 2023 Referendum. Over the coming months, Mental Health Australia will share and amplify existing campaign efforts and resources to its members and stakeholders. Mental Health Australia is proud to join more than 200 social purpose groups with Allies for Uluru and look forward to working with them in supporting the Yes campaign. |
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My Health Record and mental health webinarsYou are invited to upcoming information webinars about My Health Record for the mental health sector, hosted by Mental Health Australia in collaboration with the Australian Digital Health Agency. For service providers: My Health Record for community mental health organisations Webinar information session and Q&A Thursday 27 April 2-3pm AEST register here For people with lived experience, carers and support organisations: My Health Record and mental health advance directives Webinar information session and Q&A The same webinar will be presented across two timeslots: Wednesday 3 May 11 - 11:30am AEST register here Wednesday 17 May, 6 – 6:30pm AEST register here Feel free to share these events across your networks. For more information, contact policy@mhaustralia.org |
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Send us your news, events, and job vacancies
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Communicate your news, job vacancies, or upcoming events to more than 5,000 people in the mental health ecosystem weekly. Mental Health Australia members are invited to send us news, announcements, job vacancies, events or other notices for inclusion in the Weekly CEO Update newsletter. To do so, simply fill out this form by COB each Thursday for your notice to appear in the newsletter. |
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Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM) is an organisation of medical practitioners who specialise or have an interest in improving the health and function of the over 500,000 Australian children, adolescents and adults with ID. AADDM aims to improve the health of children, adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disability through professional development and advocacy. AADDM has been and continues to be a major contributor to government policy with a remarkable history of successful advocacy leading to widespread changes in healthcare delivery throughout Australia. |
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The ACT Mental Health Consumer Network is a consumer-led peak organisation representing the interests of mental health consumers in the ACT in policy and decision-making forums. The Network is committed to social justice and the inclusion of people with experience of mental illness. Their aim is to bring about a higher standard of health care in the mental health sector through representation, lobbying and active involvement in new developments in the mental health sector. |
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New adult mental health services for regional New South WaleFederal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, says additional free walk-in mental health care services for adults will soon be available in New South Wales, with locations for new Head to Health services agreed between the Australian and New South Wales Governments. |
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Shorten announces NDIS rebootMinister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday outlining how the Government will reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme. |
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Pilot program to trial support for infants showing early behavioural signs of autismThe Telethon Kids Institute (TKI) will deliver a pilot program that will examine whether pre-emptive intervention for children showing early behavioural signs of autism, may reduce the level of support required later in life, the Australian Government announced today. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said approximately 700 families in Western Australia would be invited to be part of the new pilot. The program, funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), will look at the effects the program has on children aged between 9 and 15 months and benefits over time to a broad cohort of children. The program is based upon initial research conducted by the Perth-based Telethon Kids Institute with La Trobe University and the West Australian Child and Adolescent Health Service, which yielded promising results. |
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Measuring what matters - second consultation processThe government has committed to release a new standalone Measuring What Matters Statement this year. The Statement will be Australia’s first national framework on wellbeing and will evolve over time. Traditional economic indicators provide important insights, but not a complete picture or holistic view of the community’s wellbeing. The Statement will seek to assess progress on a broad range of social and environmental indicators alongside traditional economic measures |
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Beyond Blue says mental health should feature strongly in the Measuring What Matters approachBeyond Blue is calling for mental health and mental wellbeing to feature strongly in the Federal Government’s new framework that aims to accurately gauge and understand how people’s lives are tracking in Australia.
The government is developing a Measuring What Matters Statement and Australian Wellbeing Framework to discuss how Australia might measure its success as a nation in ways that go beyond traditional economic indicators such as productivity and growth.
In its submission, Beyond Blue states mental health is central to overall wellbeing and national prosperity.
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Research reveals older Australians’ mental health hit hard by pandemicThe mental health of older Australians was hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic, with one in seven people aged over 75 saying their mental health worsened during pandemic period, research released on Monday by the Council on the Ageing - the peak body for older Australians - has revealed. The research report ‘Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The lived experience of Australians aged 75 and over’ surveyed over 1000 Australians aged 75+ about the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on their mental health. |
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UnitingCare Australia welcomes recommendations to address economic exclusion and povertyUnitingCare Australia, the national body representing Uniting Church community service agencies, has welcomed the recommendations of the Interim Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s report. The report highlights the urgent need to address economic exclusion and calls for action in the federal budget to support the most vulnerable members of our community. |
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Parents and carers bear the brunt of rising burden of eating disordersWith eating disorders on the rise among young people, a Flinders University expert is calling for an urgent increase in support for parents as new research reveals the immense burden they often endure. Dr Simon Wilksch, a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University and Clinic Director of Advanced Psychology Services, conducted an Australia-wide survey of parents whose child (under 18 years-old) experienced an eating disorder. The findings are now published in a special report in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. |
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National Mental Health CommissionMinister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said the National Mental Health Commission plays an important role in delivering on the Government’s mental health and suicide prevention reforms. To ensure the Government and the public continue to have confidence in the Commission, he has initiated an independent investigation into the allegations and issues that have been raised in the media. |
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Finding Hope Together: New video shines spotlight on sectorMental Health Coordinating Council is excited to announce the release of a new video showcasing the valuable work being done in the community to support people living with mental health conditions. The video is a powerful testament to the impact community-based mental health supports and services can have on the lives of individuals and showcases the work of all in the sector. |
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Shifting the landscape of SA’s mental health lawsThe independent South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI), based at the University of Adelaide, has made important recommendations for reforms to improve mental health laws in South Australia. The final review, which has been made publicly available today, has made a total of 61 recommendations to reform law and practice as well as 11 suggestions regarding key issues recurring throughout consultation that fall outside the formal terms of reference of the review. |
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Mental health training for SA pharmacists Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, says mental health first aid training will be rolled out to at least 1000 community pharmacists across South Australia, as part of a Malinauskas Labor Government election commitment to help deliver early detection and treatment. |
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Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
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Blue Knot Foundation Training CalendarBlue Knot Foundation is pleased to announce new training dates for those working in the field of trauma. These dates cover the remainder of 2023 and include face-to-face trainings, virtual classroom trainings and webinars. Training programs are focused on informing your practice, leading teams, and supporting self. |
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The 24th International Mental Health Conference
Join us IMH23 and connect with your diverse global community of mental health professionals to revisit the challenges facing our sector, reframe our plans for the future of our workforce and reshape the landscape to improve the quality of mental health care for everyone. 7-9 June, Gold Coast. Early bird pricing ends 28 April. |
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Direct Support Workers ConferenceThe Direct Support Workers (DSW) Conference is Australia’s premier disability and mental health support worker professional development event. The Conference is designed to engage and empower support workers in the disability and mental health sectors with practical, industry-related workshops, educational sessions and inspiring keynote speakers. This year’s DSW Conference will be held from 13 to 14 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane. Early bird tickets are available until 30 April. |
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National co-design processThe Department of Health is partnering with Roses in the Ocean to undertake a national co-design process to develop best practice principles and service model guidelines for the development and strengthening of services for people experiencing emotional distress/crisis, following a suicide attempt, and for people bereaved through suicide. People with lived experience of suicide are invited to participate. |
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Get tips to #FriendBetter with R U OK?#FriendBetter with R U OK? is a collection of free resources dedicated to young Australians that encourages them to check in and support each other. | | |
