Highlights from MIFA’s National Roundtable on Mental Health Reform

Last week in Adelaide, MIFA, our members, and invited guests came together for the first National Roundtable of 2025, with a strong focus on mental health reform.

The day sparked meaningful discussions on how Australia’s mental health system can better connect with critical areas such as housing, employment, education, and social connection. These social determinants have a powerful impact on mental health outcomes—and when systems don’t work together, people fall through the cracks.

One of the standout moments of the day was the presentation from Dr Esther Tordjmann, who shared findings from the Waterloo Peer Educator Program research, which explores community-led approaches to integrated mental health care. Her message was clear: cross-sector collaboration is not optional—it’s essential.

Participants also explored opportunities to embed human rights into policies and services, ensuring that reforms are not just effective, but also equitable and inclusive.

We thank all the organisations who joined us for their contributions to this important conversation. We look forward to sharing more insights from the Roundtable—including table discussion summaries and key takeaways that will shape our advocacy efforts to help all Australians achieve the best possible mental health and quality of life.

• Department Health & Aged Care
• National Mental Health Commission
• Aspire Recovery Connection
• Healthy Dreaming 
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre – Black Dog Institute
• Mental Health Carers Australia
• National Mental Health Consumer Alliance
• Mental Health Australia
• Community Mental Health Australia
• SA Health- CALHN Mental Health Clinical Program
• Lived Experience Australia
• Australian Refugee Association
• Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
• SA Dept Health & Wellbeing
• Mental Health Collation SA
• Lived Experience Leadership and Advocacy Network
• Preventive Health SA
• Carers SA
• St Vincent de Paul Society SA Inc
• Adelaide Primary Health Network
• Australian College Mental Health Nurses
• SA Community of Social Services