11 June 2024
On Thursday 16 May 2024, PACFA’s CEO Johanna de Wever attended Mental Health Australia’s (MHA) first Members Policy Forum (MPF) for 2024 online. MHA held the MPF immediately following the Federal Budget, to gather at a pivotal time to discuss the outcomes of the Budget and forward priorities for mental health reform.
Ms De Wever was one of 130 CEOs, executives and leaders from across 77 member organisations attending the MPF. The event provided an opportunity to hear from the Government about the outcomes of the Federal Budget, as well as from sector leaders on innovations and challenges in lived experience leadership, recent sector mergers, and addressing the gap in support for people with complex mental health needs. During the Forum, discussions were held regarding sector sustainability statement heading into the Federal election. Additionally, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP both gave an overview on what this week's budget announcements will mean for mental health.
Mental Health Australia is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians. It was established in 1997 as the first independent peak body in Australia to represent the full spectrum of mental health stakeholders and issues. Mental Health Australia members include national organisations representing consumers, carers, special needs groups, clinical service providers, professional bodies, public and private mental health service providers, researchers and state/territory community mental health peak bodies.