Half a Million Australians Missing Out on Mental Health Support

Nearly 500,000 Australians living with moderate to severe mental health challenges are missing out on the psychosocial support they need, as governments negotiate the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

This week, MIFA is bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers, people with lived experience, and community leaders at the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health reception at Parliament House.

The event — What Changes When Leaders Listen — focuses on how genuine partnership with people with lived experience and community-based services can improve outcomes and reduce crisis-driven care.

MIFA is calling for urgent reform to ensure the next Agreement delivers a system that supports recovery — not just crisis response.

This includes:

• Investment in psychosocial supports
• Genuine co-design with lived experience
• A stronger, community-based mental health system

Read the full media release here: