About Us

For over 25 years Mental Health Australia has advocated for mental health reform, and we continue to drive policy changes and proactively put mental health on the agenda. 

We have over 140 members, including service providers, professional bodies, organisations representing people with mental ill-health, family, carers and supporters, researchers and state and territory mental health peak bodies. 

As the national peak for mental health, we unite the mental health sector to present a cohesive voice to government, and provide practical policy solutions to influence decision-making, which in turn, improves the mental health system and the mental health of people in Australia. We work to strengthen the impact and influence of the mental health sector, and embed a human rights approach across the mental health system.  

The views and expertise of people with lived and living experience of mental ill-health, family, carers and supporters, along with our member organisations, underpins our work.  

We believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives across Mental Health Australia’s members, the community and governments, we will create greater change and more innovative solutions, than what any of us could do working alone. 

Our vision 

Mentally healthy people, mentally healthy communities. 

Our role 

We are the national, independent peak body for the mental health sector. We unite the voices of the mental health sector and advocate for policies that improve mental health.  

Strategy 2024 - 2029 

Mental Health Australia’s Strategy 2024 -2029, launched in August 2024, is available for download here. 

Annual Report 

Read our latest Annual Report and Financial Report. 

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 approved by the Full members of Mental Health Australia Ltd at the 7 August 2024 Special General Meeting.

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.