New economic analysis strengthens national voices at historic parliamentary breakfast
This week, The Lived Experience and Community-Managed Alliance Parliamentary Breakfast brought together community leaders from across the country with a shared commitment to shaping a mental health system that recognises the full context of people’s lives, including their social and emotional wellbeing. Co-hosted by the Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre, National Mental Health Consumer Alliance, […]
Close the Gap Report 2026
The release of the 2026 Close the Gap report is an important moment for Australia. It reinforces something many of us working in the community-managed sector see every day: the gap is not closing at the pace it should, not because we lack evidence or commitment, but because the systems themselves have not shifted. “We […]
Mental Health Australia Expo
At the recent Mental Health Australia Expo at Parliament House, we showcased the Assisting Communities Through Direct Connection (ACDC) Project and its work exploring place-based approaches to meeting unmet need for psychosocial support. Led by Community Mental Health Australia with State and Territory Community Mental Health Peaks and the National Lived Experience Peaks, the project […]
Looking Forward to the Mental Health Australia Event
We’re looking forward to joining colleagues from across the country at the upcoming 2026 Mental Health Sector Expo hosted by Mental Health Australia at Parliament House. This event is always a valuable opportunity for our sector to come together in the heart of our nation’s capital, to connect with decision makers and to showcase the […]
Australian Journal of Human Rights
A recent article published in Australian Journal of Human Rights (2026) presents a carefully reasoned case for a Human Rights Act in Western Australia, using the state’s mental health system as a practical example of why stronger legislative protections matter. Titled Advancing a rights-based mental health system: the case for a Human Rights Act for […]
Kindness this holiday season
The holiday season can be challenging for many of us. For some this is a wonderful time of the year, and for some it can be tricky to navigate. At CMHA we’re all trying to extend a little extra kindness to ourselves and to others this holiday season. Hopefully, this inspires you to do the […]
A missed opportunity?
This week’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) delivered the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion election commitment investment in mental health. Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) welcomes the Government’s ongoing commitment to Australian’s mental health, particularly to young people who are facing unprecedented and unacceptable social, relational, and financial pressures. These investments continue the decades-long approach […]
Unwavering solidarity for victims and families of Bondi Beach terror attack
CMHA recognises the profound emotional and psychological toll of violence and hatred in our communities. At CMHA, we stand in unwavering solidarity with all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to compassion, unity, and care. We know our mental health and social and emotional wellbeing depend on feeling safe and connected in our communities without […]
Public seminar: mental health economics
Representatives from Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) attended the public seminar at Macquarie University, Sydney today. Professor Rowena Jacobs from the Centre for Health Economics, University of York presented an informative seminar: ‘Mental health economics: Using data to help improve efficiency, funding and productivity’. Professor Jacobs’ seminar focused on how data can be leveraged to […]
Human rights: it’s time
Every year on 10 December, the world marks Human Rights Day. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a document that continues to guide how we protect and uphold the inherent dignity of every person. The United Nations (UN) reminds us that human rights are universal, indivisible and fundamental […]
