This week, results from research published by the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre, in collaboration with Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank, reinforced the approach Mental Health Australia took to the election: that every election issue is a mental health issue. We know that the pandemic has both exacerbated mental ill health and highlighted the urgent need for mental health system reform. But the much needed reform has been a long time coming – and is yet to arrive. While the Alone Together Study surveyed Australians on their mental health experiences during the pandemic, it showed that mental health care is also impacted by multiple factors, including access to social support, employment and affordable housing. Further, the study confirmed that the pandemic has placed additional pressures on our already over-burdened mental health system, leaving many without affordable, timely, or appropriate treatment and support. This research demonstrates just how intrinsically mental health and wellbeing is shaped by the social, economic, and physical environments in which we live. What this means is, actions to improve Australia’s mental health system must take these factors into consideration – and be universal, across the whole of Australian society. An effective, integrated system of community-focused mental health treatment and support requires strong integration with sectors aimed at addressing the social determinants of mental health. Prior to the 2022 election, Mental Health Australia in collaboration with our members, conducted an analysis of the yet-to-be-implemented actions from the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health Final Report, and prioritised five social determinants of mental health that would provide real impact for Australians if acted upon now. Since the announcement of the full Albanese-Labor Ministry, we have written to the new Ministers of these portfolios with recommendations on how to drive cross-portfolio activity to address the social determinants of mental health. These are outlined in our Government Briefing, which is available on our website. The 2022 Federal Election result demonstrates that Australians want and are ready for change, want a government that governs, and one that listens and then acts. Mental Health Australia is and will continue to engage with all representatives within, outside of, and across government and portfolios to ensure sector needs are heard and reform is carried out with a coordinated approach. We know that for the mental health of all Australians to flourish, we need a long-term, whole-a-government commitment to drive change. Reform within the mental health sector is critical, yes – but it must be in concert with all the social determinants of mental health and the policies that frame them. | 
