12 March 2025
In early 2025, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to conduct a final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. The final review will assess the impact of programs delivered under the National Agreement so far and will make recommendations that aim to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, affordability and safety of the mental health and suicide prevention system.
In February 2025, CHF sought feedback from consumers across Australia on their experience with mental health and suicide prevention over the past three years. We also drew upon insights consumers have shared with us in recent years through other consultations related to their current experiences of mental health care in Australia.
Based on this feedback, our submission to the review focuses on highlighting the key issues and areas that require particular focus and further action through the Agreement. These include ensuring lived experience is at the centre, improving service access and affordability, prioritising prevention and early intervention, reforming acute care, supporting comorbidity and addressing stigma.
Essentially, while there has been some positive progress during the three years the Agreement has been in place, there is still much more to be done.
