The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
Today is World Mental Health Day – a day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy.
Right now, demand for mental health support has surged to record levels across the country, with the pandemic having a significant impact on all Australians.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-21, more than two in five Australians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life.
More than one in five people also experienced a mental health disorder in the previous year, with anxiety being the most common issue.
Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day, 2022 is “Look after your mental health, Australia – Awareness, Belonging and Connection”.
The Albanese Government is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, no matter where they live. That’s why we are delivering $13.1 million in targeted mental health support for flood-affected communities in NSW and $44 million to improve and enhance 57 headspace services across Australia.
We are also working to restore a 50 per cent loading to telehealth psychiatric consultations so people living in rural and regional Australia have access to affordable, bulk-billed care.
We encourage all Australians to visit www.headtohealth.gov.au and lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au for helpful tips and habits about taking care of your mental health.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Butler:
“On World Mental Health Day – indeed, every day – we encourage everyone in Australia to take time to look after their mental health.”
“The perfect storm of COVID-19, pandemic measures, bushfires and floods has battered our community. Clearly, there is an urgent need to turn the tide.”
“We must ensure we have the right resources in the right place, at the right time so Australians get the help they need and deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving mental health support services across the country so all Australians, no matter where they live, can get the support they need.”
“We know that issues such as housing and homelessness, education, employment, and social isolation can all affect a person’s mental health and wellbeing.”
“That’s why we’re working together across all departments and all levels of government, with stakeholders, researchers, and people with lived or living experience, to implement meaningful change to our health system.”
