Government delivers $547m mental health pledge

“Combating suicide is a national priority,” Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday evening.

The Treasurer pledged $547 million over five years to help those “living lives of quiet desperation”. This investment follows last year’s $2.3 billion pledge to mental health and suicide prevention.

The funds will be split across seven pillars, including:

• $76.4 million over five years for prevention and early intervention activities, with funding to include $52.3 million for Lifeline to provide mental health supports;
• $46.7 million over two years for suicide prevention activities;
• $285.5 million over five years for mental health treatment initiatives, including $206.5 million to ensure continued access to services for young Australians with severe mental illness;
• $44.9 million to support vulnerable Australians;
• $93.2 million over five years for workforce and governance issues, including $28.6 million to increase the size of the psychiatry workforce and $18.3 million for a national mental health ‘pathways to practice’ program for nursing, allied health and psychology students;
• $4.2 million over five years to support employment of general practitioners in headspace centres in rural and remote regions; and,
• $3.5 million over four years for the Australian Public Service (APS) Commission to continue the operation of the APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit to implement and maintain a mental health framework for APS employees.

The government also renewed funding for a critical mental health program tailored to small business owners.

An additional $4.6 million in funding will ensure Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners program can expand and continue to assist small business owners who need mental health support.

Commenting on the government's mental health budget allocation, acting CEO of the FSC, Blake Briggs, applauded the additional support.

“The life insurance industry understands the importance of supporting Australians with their mental health, which is why the FSC commends the $547 million in additional funding on mental health programs.”

Similarly, small business ombudsman Bruce Billson flagged the importance of mental health support for small business. 

“Small business owners who look after their mental health, can also help their business. With this renewed funding in place, help is available to small business owners who need it.”

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, or you’re worried about someone else and feel that urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below:

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au