Mind the gaps, and create a better way forward for mental health reform Introduction by Croakey: A recent Productivity Commission interim report presented a clear message to federal, state and territory governments about

My take on the Productivity Commission Interim Report: Mind the gaps, and create a better way forward for mental health reform www.croakey.org/mind-the-gap...

Addressing youth mental health: diverse models of care required Introduction by Croakey: Preliminary recommendations from a sector-led consortium exploring Australia's youth mental health system include calls to strengthen and

Great opportunity under new Fed Government to consider long lasting, impactful change in youth mental health. This requires new thinking and new models: www.croakey.org/addressing-y...

Five priorities for the Albanese Government to transform Australia’s mental health system Introduction by Croakey: In the wake of its historic election victory, the Albanese Government now has a rare opportunity to

Five key mental health priorities for new Labor Government, here: www.croakey.org/five-priorit... @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social @markbutlermp.bsky.social

My take on the Australian Federal Budget for mental health: www.croakey.org/addressing-s... @markbutlermp.bsky.social

And state/territory govts more focused than ever on hospital-based acute & outpatient mental health care. Spending on community-based psychosocial alternatives to hospitalisation in decline. Where is hospital avoidance/early intervention? @markbutlermp.bsky.social @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social

Latest AIHW data shows impact of $2.3bn 2021-22 Morrison budget on mental health's share of total health budget - spending now almost exactly the same as in 1992, when the National Mental Health Strategy began. @markbutlermp.bsky.social @brainandmindcentre.bsky.social

Assessing the Federal Government’s achievements in mental healthcare A critical challenge for the next Federal Government is ensuring that whatever they do in mental health reform promotes integration

Labor's mental health achievements and the mystery of 'early intervention', here: www.croakey.org/assessing-th...

ROGS also reports that NSW had 1838 mental health beds in general public hospitals in 2013 and 1879 in 2023. Per 1000 people, bed rate has declined a little but NSW rate still second highest in Australia, probably due to lack of funded alternatives in the community.

PC's ROGS data also shows per capita spending on mental health in NSW to be lowest in the country at $278 while WA spends $390! Average is $307. Part of explanation for psychiatry dispute but not the only reason.

13 Services for mental health - Report on Government Services 2025 This section reports on the Australian, state and territory governments’ management of mental health and mental illnesses.

New Productivity Commission Report on Govt Services for mental health shows that per capita spending by both fed and state governments over the period 2013-2023 has really only kept pace with inflation (about 2% per annum over the period). www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/repo...

Very significant variations found. This is inequitable and undesirable. @markbutlermp.bsky.social

The impact of differences in bulk‐billing rates: strategies for greater equity in Medicare Click on the article title to read more.

Delighted to see this published today. Equity in access to mental health care, all health care, remains key priority for reform.

doi.org/10.5694/mja2...