Earlier this week, the Labor Government committed to a $1 billion mental health package upon re-election. The announcement includes:

• $225 million for 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres
• More than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services
• $500 million for 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres for young people with complex needs
• $90 million for more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.

This comes after the Coalition had announced $400 million towards youth mental health upon election. The Coalition has pledged to:

• Increase access to early psychosis support by growing services from 8 regions to 20. 
• Strengthen the reach of existing headspace centres, which offer free mental health support to young people aged 12 to 25.
• Reinstate the full 20 Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions per year.
• Expand the role of the National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health, by extending its remit to include leading policy advice to government, commissioning youth services, and providing training.

Youth mental health advocate Abi Cooper said “I think this is an important moment for young people across the country. To know that our stories and our voices mean something. There’s still so much left to do, but seeing youth mental health put on the agenda gives me hope that this issue is being taken seriously by those who can make a difference.”

“We hear from young people every day who are doing it tough, and we know how hard it can be to reach out for help - especially when cost gets in the way.” said batyr CEO, Katie Acheson. “A commitment to free and accessible mental health support sends a strong message that young people’s wellbeing matters.”

One of those young people is Eliza, from South Australia, who shared:

With cost often being the biggest barrier stopping young people from getting support, this announcement is a much-needed step in the right direction.

“This kind of leadership gives us hope that change is possible, but it has to be backed by ongoing collaboration with young people and the sector,” Katie said. “To build a future where every young person is heard, supported and empowered, we need solutions shaped with them - not just for them.”

We will continue to champion a youth mental health system that prioritises the unique needs of young people so they are able to lead mentally healthy and fulfilling lives. 

batyr is available for comment for all stories based around youth mental health - get in touch with us at [email protected].