2016 Federal Budget - Mental Health Australia Summary
On Tuesday 3 May 2016, the Federal Government presented its Federal Budget for 2016-17. Mental Health Australia staff attended the Budget Lockup and compiled an initial summary of the Budget measures impacting the mental health sector. Our additional analysis outlines further information specifically relating to changes in funding arrangements for some services.
Both documents can be viewed in the attachments (see bottom of page).
Additional Analysis
Provides information relating to:
- The termination of the National Partnership Agreement on Supporting Mental Health Services
- The termination of additional funding for community mental health services in drought affected areas
Budget Night Summary
Positive measures include:
- Mental health treatment for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force — improved access
- Support services for children of veterans
- Veteran suicide awareness and prevention programs — continuation of Operation Life
- Perinatal Depression Online Support
Measures that could have a negative impact:
- Cuts to new welfare recipients
- More reviews of people on Disability Support Pension
- Health Flexible Funds — pausing indexation and achieving efficiencies
- Medicare Benefits Schedule — pause indexation
Other measures of interest:
- Domestic and family violence — new initiatives to break the cycle of violence
- National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children — Third Action Plan 2015-18
- Investment approach to welfare — Try, Test and Learn Fund
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Fund
- Youth Employment Package — Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare — Trial — Hire)
CEO of Mental Health Australia Frank Quinlan also provided his initial thoughts about the Budget, which you can view in the video below.
| Attachment | Kind | Size |
|---|---|---|
 2016 Federal Budget - Mental Health Australia initial Budget night summary | 1.04 MB | |
| 2016 Federal Budget - Mental Health Australia additional analysis | 346.19 KB |
