News

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 […]

The State of Australia’s Children report shows widening inequities

Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) welcomes the release of The State of Australia’s Children 2025 Summary Report, which provides a clear and timely picture of how children and young people are faring across the country. While many children are thriving, the report makes it clear that far too many continue to be left behind by […]

Productivity Commission Report Joint Statement

Community Mental Health Australia joins fellow system reform Leadership Peaks: the Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre, the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia in welcoming the Government’s prompt release of the Productivity Commission’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement Review Final Report. We support the findings that the mental health and […]

A stronger financial safety net for mental health starts with unity

Cohesive, equitable and timely mental health support for Australians is being challenged by a complex financial safety net that needs immediate reform, according to a new Actuaries Institute report, The Mental Health Financial Safety Net: Unifying Australia’s Fragmented Systems. The report explores the affordability and access challenges people face when seeking mental health care. It […]

Financial distress and mental health: The data paints a stark picture

As we wrap-up Anti-Poverty Week 2025, Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) is calling attention to a striking truth revealed through the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) project. Over four years of door-knocking and community outreach, we’ve heard and seen firsthand what the research now confirms: financial distress is deeply intertwined with mental distress and […]

1 in 7 Australians Living in Poverty

“More than one in seven Australians live below the poverty line,” said Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) President Cathy O’Toole. “It’s not getting better, it’s getting worse,” added Cathy. ACOSS and UNSW Sydney have released the Poverty in Australia 2025 Overview: A Poverty and Inequality Partnership Report this month which demonstrates the rise in the […]

World Mental Health Day 2025

Every year on 10 October, the world comes together to mark World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. “Investing […]