The Albanese Government has committed a substantial $456.7 million five-year investment to bolster the future of Australia’s most trusted digital mental health service providers.
This funding aims to secure the continuity and expansion of crucial services provided by Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline, including Lifeline’s 13YARN service tailored for First Nations Australians.
Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the mental health system was facing the same deep structural issues as the broader health system.
“Mental health reform is part of a bigger, long-term journey to strengthen the healthcare system.
“We need a well-integrated mental health system, getting settings right the first time to reduce system fragmentation and ensure equitable access to care,” he said.
This investment is designed to ensure that these national flagship services can keep pace with the rising demand for mental health support, reaching individuals in rural and remote areas, children, young people, and First Nations Australians.
Additionally, the Albanese Government is allocating $43.9 million to extend funding for specialised digital mental health services until June 2025.
A sector-led consortium will be formed to create a new national approach facilitating easier navigation of digital services, fostering collaboration across the sector and reducing system fragmentation.
While these digital reforms are being developed, the national Head to Health website and its inbuilt navigation service will continue to serve the public.
The goal is to streamline access to mental health support and ensure that all Commonwealth digital mental health investments meet the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards by 1 July 2025.
The reforms outlined are based on recommendations from the Mental Health Advisory Committee, which has been actively involved in addressing a range of issues, from accessibility and affordability to delivering person-centered care for those with severe and complex needs.
The Advisory Committee, instrumental in guiding the government’s response to the Better Access program evaluation, will be extended into 2024.
The Better Access evaluation identified disparities in mental health care access, particularly for Australians with lower incomes and those in regional and remote areas.
Despite the positive increase of 45,000 people receiving Better Access sessions in 2023 compared to the previous year, the Advisory Committee emphasises that additional sessions alone are not the solution for individuals with complex needs.
Instead, they advocate for a more sophisticated offering that addresses the structural issues within the mental health system.
The Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said ensuring support is just a few clicks, a text or a phone call away is crucial to supporting those in distress.
“The Albanese Government is backing in well-known, effective and trusted mental health services and we will work with them to make the most of digital technology in supporting people with different mental healthcare needs.”
