On Monday 4 August 2025, leaders from across the mental health sector gathered in Canberra to discuss the future of psychosocial supports and the mental health sector. Hosted shortly after the release of the Productivity Commission’s interim report, the meeting reflected a renewed sense of collaboration and optimism for systemic reform.
The meeting brought together Kerry Hawkins from Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA), Priscilla Brice from the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA), Vicki McKenna from The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network, Katrina Armstrong from Mental Health Carers Australia (MHCA), Carolyn Nikoloski from Mental Health Australia (MHA), and Tony Stevenson from Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (MIFA). The sector leaders met with Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
It was especially encouraging to see that the Lived Experience Peak Organisations were included in these critical discussions. Their voices are essential to shaping a mental health system that is genuinely inclusive, responsive, and grounded in real-world experience.
This cross-sector gathering marked a significant moment of unity and shared vision. Participants spoke openly about the opportunities presented by the reform process and the importance of placing co-design and co-production at the heart of the new mental health and psychosocial support system.
The conversation was constructive, forward-thinking, and grounded in a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people living with psychosocial disability and mental ill-health. There was strong recognition of the critical role that community-managed supports play in complementing clinical services and creating a holistic, person-centred system.
“This week’s meeting was both hopeful and encouraging,” said Kerry Hawkins, CEO of Community Mental Health Australia. “We are seeing formal recognition that the Australians with Lived Experience and organisations with community expertise must be at the centre of designing what comes next.”
As CMHA continues to advocate for a better, fairer, and more inclusive mental health system, we are encouraged by the openness of government and the strong collaboration across the sector.
Pictured from left to right:
- Kerry Hawkins from Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)
- Priscilla Brice from National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA)
- Vicki McKenna from The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Network
- Senator the Hon Jenny McCallister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Katrina Armstrong from Mental Health Carers Australia (MHCA)
- Carolyn Nikoloski from Mental Health Australia (MHA)
- Tony Stevenson from Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (MIFA)