Working together to achieve change
In the lead-up to the federal budget, we’re hearing a lot about the need for system reform across many different policy areas, and the scarcity of resources to address them all. Just as change is the only true constant, the common issue we face is the complexity of the problems that we’re working to solve. We know this is the case in mental health, but it’s also true in other health and social policy areas.
To respond to this complexity, we know that we need to influence change at multiple levels – in communities, organisations, and at the broad system and societal levels. We know that we can’t achieve change by working alone – we need to come together and work collectively to address our challenges.
This is one of the reasons why I’m so excited about stepping into this role at Mental Health Australia. I’ve already heard from many of you in the sector of the importance of us focusing on what we agree on; drawing together the expertise of those who are already achieving change in their communities, organisations, and services; and amplifying a strong collective voice to drive action and transformation.
The importance of working together to improve mental health has this week also been reflected in the Government’s announcements on the progress of expanding Head to Health hubs in NSW and Queensland.
Mental Health Australia has long advocated for a community-focused mental health treatment and support system, with integrated multi-disciplinary care. We’re still a way off this ideal, but the Head to Health hub model for both adults and kids, show that we’re making steps towards it.
These services have a multidisciplinary care model, with practitioners from multiple professions co-located in one service. These were committed to in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement between States and Territories and the Commonwealth Government – reflecting progress in collaboration across jurisdictions, within local communities, and within services.
More than just co-locating, the best multi-disciplinary care recognises the valuable contribution of different kinds of professionals in mental health services – where the best outcomes come when we can draw on different lived, learned, and professional expertise to work together in the best interests for the person receiving support.
Multi-disciplinary care offers more holistic care for all of us, and importantly, helps to shift us from a provider-centred system to a person-centred health system. There is no higher priority for us all to work together to achieve it.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week On Monday I’m attending Mental Health Australia’s Psychosocial Working Group meeting. On Tuesday I’m meeting with the Minister for Health and Aged Care. On Wednesday I’m attending the National Safety and Quality Community Mental Health Service Standard Advisory Group meeting. On Thursday I’m meeting with the First Assistant Secretary, Mental Health Division, Department of Health and Aged Care.
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Mental Health Australia’s Submission to the Joint select committee on the Voice ReferendumMental Health Australia has submitted a statement to the Joint Select Committee, in support of the proposed alteration to the Australian Constitution to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Mental Health Australia believes that self-determination is crucial to address the significant disparity in mental health and well-being outcomes between First Nations and other Australians. The First Nations Voice is an opportunity for structural reform to empower ongoing self-determination, and Mental Health Australia supports the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The statement recognises the years of conversation and significant consultation that have preceded this proposed legislation. Mental Health Australia is also deeply concerned about the impacts of the ongoing public debate related to this referendum on the wellbeing of First Nations peoples — with the significant potential for increased racism, discrimination and deficit-based focus which are strongly associated with negative mental health impacts for First Nations peoples. Mental Health Australia implores all political leaders to exhibit and support respectful dialogue which prioritises the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. |
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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 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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Embrace Multicultural Mental Health News
The Department of Health has launched the new Service Finder. There are 16 languages available and 300 different health service types. Email us if you have any feedback you would like us to forward to the department. |
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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 BPD Foundation is a group of volunteer consumers, carers and clinicians who passionate in encouraging a positive culture around Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and promoting the ready availability and accessibility of appropriate services for everyone impacted by BPD. |
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Anglicare TAS: Mental health is for everyone. We all have to face challenges in life. People who have good mental health are more likely to be able to cope with the ups and downs. Our mental health is made up of our psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. This means it affects how we feel, think and behave each day. Our mental health also contributes to our decision-making process, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives. Anglicare has a number of services to support people who are affected by mental health issues. |
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Doubling support for young carers to continue their educationA funding boost of almost $10 million by the Albanese Labor Government will allow Carers Australia to increase financial assistance to young carers so they can continue their education while caring for a loved one. The Young Carer Bursary Program provides financial assistance to young carers aged 12-25, who are taking on extra caring responsibilities for their loved ones. The bursaries are intended to reduce the need to undertake part-time or full-time work while studying. |
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Affordable wellness retreat for servicemen and womenNarrogin could become home to one of the country’s first wellness retreats for the Australian defence and emergency services communities. Not-for-profit organisation REACH proposes to create an affordable wellness retreat for servicemen and women in an environment which, according to their plans, would have “an ambience of tranquillity, and be a place where they can recharge and have a renewed zest for life.” |
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Politicians, advocates and prominent Australians call for JobSeeker increase in Federal BudgetAustralian Council of Social Service, says politicians from across the aisle, academics, business leaders, community advocates and other prominent Australians have joined in a rare display of unity to urge the Prime Minister to implement the first priority recommendation of the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and deliver a substantial increase to JobSeeker and related payments in the May Budget. Labor MPs Alicia Payne, Louise Miller-Frost, Michelle Ananda-Raja and Kate Thwaites, Liberal MP Bridget Archer, the Greens, and a wide range of independents and cross-bench politicians including Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Helen Haines, Zali Steggall, Jacqui Lambie, David Pocock, Monique Ryan, Kylea Tink, Sophie Scamps, Lidia Thorpe and Andrew Wilkie, have all signed an Open Letter urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to lift Jobseeker and related payments to help address “structural injustice” and “increased deprivation”. |
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New toolkit empowers help seekers to access support on their own termsLifeline has launched a new service designed to reach help seekers who aren’t ready to talk to someone else about their situation, or simply prefer to manage things themselves first. Available at lifeline.org.au/toolkit, the new Support Toolkit is full of practical information in plain language, as well as the best curated tools, apps, techniques and services to help individuals take the next step in their wellbeing journey. The Support Toolkit is also designed to help those supporting someone else in need. It provides tools and resources to help people understand and cater to the needs of someone in distress, while making sure they administer effective self-care at the same time. Lifeline Australia CEO, Colin Seery, said the Support Toolkit will enable the organisation to support people who wouldn’t otherwise engage with mental health and crisis support. |
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Rail industry shows its support for Rail R U OK?DayThe Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is urging everyone in the rail industry to be alert to colleagues who may be struggling, with Rail R U OK?Day events being held across the country Thursday 27 April. ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said Rail R U OK?Day was a great opportunity to learn how to better support workmates and foster wellbeing in the workplace. “I am really proud of the fact that the rail industry so strongly supports such an important day, with this being the only industry-specific R U OK? day of action.” |
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McGowan Government expanding mental health serviceHealth Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the McGowan Government will significantly increase mental health investment in Western Australia, with a $420 million boost in the upcoming State Budget. The new funding will lift the Mental Health Commission’s annual budget to $1.4 billion in 2023-24, a 57.3 per cent increase since the McGowan Government came to office. |
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Psychologists welcome renewed focus on the mental health impacts of long COVIDAustralia’s peak body for psychology, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has welcomed recognition of the impact of long COVID on mental health and the need to support the psychological health of long COVID patients, however it says more needs to be done to support people with the condition and manage its future national impact. The House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Health report released this week outlined the findings of the inquiry into long COVID and repeated COVID infections. |
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Rebuilding Medicare for the 21st centuryMinister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Albanese Government is laying the foundations for significant reforms to Medicare, with a comprehensive package of measures to ensure Australians have better access to affordable care, cheaper medicines and a stronger health workforce. In response to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, the Albanese Government is improving access to primary care, reducing pressure on hospitals and acting to support our hardworking GPs, nurses, midwives and allied health practitioners. A stronger Medicare means one that supports team-based care, underpinned by a funding model that better reflects the healthcare needs of 21st century Australia. A stronger Medicare means growing the health workforce and supporting our hardworking healthcare workers to do what they’re trained to do and work at the top of their scope of practice. |
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Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
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Release of Consultation Paper - Independent review of compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of decision-making laws (VIC)The Victorian Health Department have announced the release of the Independent Review of Compulsory Mental Health Assessment and Treatment Criteria and Alignment of Decision-Making Laws consultation paper. The responses received to the consultation paper will assist the Independent Review Panel with reviewing Victoria’s compulsory assessment and treatment criteria and aligning mental health law with other decision-making laws. The closing date for submissions is 2 June 2023. |
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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. | | |
