MIFA’s Federal Budget Submission 2025/26

Advocating for Psychosocial Support Reform

At Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA), we believe that every Australian experiencing severe mental health challenges deserves access to the right support at the right time. That’s why we submit budget briefings—to advocate for stronger investment in psychosocial support programs that bridge the gap in unmet needs, reduce hospitalizations, and empower people to lead fulfilling lives.

For the 2025/26 Federal Budget, MIFA is calling for:

🔹 Doubling Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) funding from $130.1M to $260.2M, providing an additional 25,000 support places to address urgent unmet need.

🔹 A $3B investment over four years to establish a National Psychosocial Support Program (NPSP)—a coordinated, recovery-focused initiative to provide 204,000 additional support places by 2029/30.

🔹 Ongoing funding of $1.13B per year from 2029/30 to sustain and expand psychosocial support services, ensuring long-term stability for those who rely on them.

Without action, Australians with severe mental health conditions face higher risks of homelessness, hospitalisation, unemployment, and even early death. Investing in psychosocial support is an investment in healthier lives, stronger communities, and a more sustainable healthcare system.

Join us in urging the government to prioritize psychosocial support in the 2025/26 Budget.

Full submission below.