By Nicola Ballenden
In this monthly update, I share highlights from Mind Australia’s advocacy work over the past month – including the key issues we’re speaking up on, the conversations shaping the sector, and the opportunities we see to improve outcomes for people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as their families and carers.
Standing up for fair access to the NDIS
One of our key advocacy priorities continues to be the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill. Mind welcomed the Senate’s decision to allow more time to consider the legislation and the concerns raised by the community.
At the recent Senate Committee hearing, we outlined why people with psychosocial disability are already not accessing the NDIS at the rates originally intended and why the proposed changes could create further barriers.
We highlighted two key issues: the need for assessments to continue considering environmental and personal circumstances when determining functional capacity, and the risks of requiring people to exhaust all treatment options before their disability is considered permanent. We believe these changes would unfairly disadvantage people with psychosocial disability and should be amended.
While we welcome that some of our concerns have been reflected in the Committee’s interim report, significant issues remain. We will continue advocating over the coming weeks for an NDIS that provides fair and equitable access for people with psychosocial disability.
To ensure people with lived experience continue to inform our advocacy, we have developed a short survey for people with psychosocial disability, carers, family members and supporters to share their experiences of the NDIS.
The anonymous survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and closes on Sunday 19 July – click here to complete the survey. The insights gathered will help strengthen our advocacy and support our work to ensure people with psychosocial disability can access the supports they need through the NDIS.
On behalf of Mind, thank you to everyone who has already shared their experiences. Your insights continue to strengthen our advocacy and help drive better outcomes for people experiencing psychosocial disability.
Welcoming investment in Queensland’s mental health system
In June, we also welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment of $400 million over four years through the Queensland Mental Health Levy to strengthen mental health services.
A key investment is the expansion of Youth Step Up Step Down services, with two new services to be established in Rockhampton and Townsville. These recovery-focused services provide an important alternative to hospital admission and support young people transitioning back into the community after a hospital stay.
We also welcomed funding for specialist mental health nurses in emergency departments, along with the Queensland Government’s commitment to direct Mental Health Levy revenue towards mental health services as originally intended.
Beyond mental health services, continued investment in social and community housing is also significant. Safe, secure housing is fundamental to mental health and recovery, and we know people are better able to focus on their wellbeing when they have a stable place to call home.
You can read Mind’s full response to the Queensland budget on our website.
Progress in New South Wales, but more reform is needed
In New South Wales, we welcomed continued investment in mental health and suicide prevention services, including ongoing support for community-based programs and services delivered under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
Building on this investment, we want to see a stronger health-led response for people experiencing mental distress, reducing reliance on police where a health response is more appropriate. This includes continued reform informed by initiatives such as the “Right Care, Right Person” approach.
You can read Mind and One Door Mental Health’s full response to the New South Wales budget on our website.
Looking ahead
In the coming weeks and months, Mind will be working with governments to bring an earlier and stronger focus to negotiations on the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. We will also be seeking greater clarity and certainty around future psychosocial Foundational Supports.
Together, these reforms present a critical opportunity to strengthen community-based mental health services and psychosocial supports to help ensure people access the right care before they reach crisis and reduce the risk of people falling through the gaps in our mental health systems.
Mind will also be finalising our advocacy priorities for the 2026 Victorian Election, working with people with lived experience, our partners and the broader sector to promote practical, cost-effective reforms that strengthen Victoria’s mental health system.
Finally, we will continue working with Homelessness Australia to advocate for increased investment in mental health-specific housing. We know that safe and secure housing is fundamental to recovery, and we will keep pushing for integrated housing and mental health responses that enable people to live well in their communities.
Nicola Ballenden is Mind Australia’s Executive Director – Strategy, Engagement and Housing Transformation.