Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that one in five Australians and nearly half of all adults would experience a mental or behavioural condition in their lifetime, and over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. A parliamentary inquiry found that the COVID-19 pandemic and successive natural disasters have amplified social disadvantage, service demands, and the number of mental illness presentations, as well as exposed the limitations of Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention and aftercare service systems.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that one in five Australians and nearly half of all adults would experience a mental or behavioural condition in their lifetime, and over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. A parliamentary inquiry found that the COVID-19 pandemic and successive natural disasters have amplified social disadvantage, service demands, and the number of mental illness presentations, as well as exposed the limitations of Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention and aftercare service systems. The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has released its final report, calling on the Australian Government to implement reform to address the pandemic-and natural disaster-induced mental health, suicidality, and social and emotional wellbeing crisis. Chair of the Committee, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said ‘It is clear our mental health and suicide prevention sectors need fundamental reform to address workforce shortages, fill service gaps, and protect our most vulnerable populations. The Committee has made a series of recommendations to address these critical needs. Recognising the sense of urgency for improved services and outcomes for all Australians, the Committee calls on governments to prioritise finalising the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and progress to implementation.’ ‘The diversity of the evidence raised a series of policy and legislative concerns that require further examination and highlighted the need to place mental health on the same footing as physical health. In response, the Committee has recommended the appointment of a Standing Committee on Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Social and Emotional Wellbeing to offer a bipartisan mechanism to scrutinise reform implementation, government policies and performance, and ensure community views continue to be heard.’ Dr Martin continued, ‘The Committee encourages the Australian Government to minimise future costs to individuals and the economy through committing to action on the Committee’s 44 recommendations. These contribute to and champion many of the recommendations and reports already before the Australian Government.’ ‘Importantly, the Government needs to respond to the consistent call from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing programs and formalise commissioning pathways for cultural responses to mental health and suicide prevention. The Committee supports this message and has translated it into recommendations, including for the Australian Government to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership within the mental health system through fully implementing the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration.’ The Committee received 232 submissions, 47 exhibits, and held 17 public hearings with stakeholders from across Australia. The Committee would like to express its appreciation to all who have contributed their time, knowledge and lived experience throughout the course of the inquiry. A final copy of the Committee’s final report can be found on the Inquiry website: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Final Report – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au). NOTE: The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800   Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can view submissions, transcripts of public hearings, and the Committee’s reports. 

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hold its final public hearing via videoconference on Friday, 27 August 2021, with a focus on the mental health concerns and systems that impact women.

Media release issue date: Friday, 27 August 2021

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hold its final public hearing via videoconference on Friday, 27 August 2021, with a focus on the mental health concerns and systems that impact women. From 6-10 September 2021 is Women’s Health Week - a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority. Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said ‘The Committee commends the work of Jean Hailes in continuing Women’s Health Week. When we support women in accessing mental health care, as and when they need it, we improve women's overall health, boost women’s participation in the workforce, and support Australian families.’ ‘Women experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders at higher rates than men. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rise in self-harm, particularly by young women. It is important that the Committee hears from organisations that support women’s voices. Prevention and early intervention activities need to be tailored to at-risk demographics, with a whole-of-lifespan approach, starting at birth with perinatal care for mothers and babies, right through to menopause and beyond.’ In its final public hearing: Jean Hailes, PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, women from the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre, Women’s Mental Health Alliance, Women’s Health Victoria, and the Women’s Mental Health Service will contribute to the Committee’s evidence base. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the factors impacting women’s access to mental health and suicide prevention services. The final report of the Committee is due to be presented by 1 November 2021. Public hearing details Date: Friday 27 August 2021 Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm AEST The public hearing program will be available on the Committee website. Due to the public hearings being held by videoconference, public access will be available via the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the date for its next public hearing with allied health organisations, mental health academics and commentators. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it will be held via videoconference.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 August 2021

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the date for its next public hearing with allied health organisations, mental health academics and commentators. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it will be held via videoconference. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 19 August 2021 Time: 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm AEST The public hearing program will be available on the Committee website. Due to the public hearings being held by videoconference, public access will be available via the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the dates for its July public hearings with a range of health and allied health stakeholders. The Committee had planned to hold these hearings at various locations across the country, including Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have meant these hearings will now be held via videoconference.

Media release issue date: Monday, 19 July 2021

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the dates for its July public hearings with a range of health and allied health stakeholders. The Committee had planned to hold these hearings at various locations across the country, including Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have meant these hearings will now be held via videoconference. The Committee will hear from organisations, governments, and individuals on workforce concerns and service accessibility. The Committee will also enquire into digital models of service, affordability, and the capacity of mental health initiatives to meet the needs of at-risk communities. Chair of the Committee, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said ‘These upcoming hearings give the Committee an opportunity to explore how best to utilise the mental health workforce to ensure the safety, accessibility, equity and quality of mental health services across Australia. The public hearings enable the Committee to build upon its evidence base and understand pressing issues across the mental health and suicide prevention sectors.’ The final report of the Committee is due to be presented by 1 November 2021. Public hearing details Date: Monday 19 July 2021 Time: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm AEST Date: Wednesday 21 July 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm AEST Date: Monday 26 July 2021 Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm AEST Date: Wednesday 28 July 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm AEST Date: Thursday 29 July 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm AEST The public hearing programs will be available on the Committee website. Due to the public hearings being held by videoconference, public access will be available via the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Committee hearing cancelled due to illness.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 May 2021

The public hearing scheduled for today, 27 May 2021, by the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has been cancelled due to illness. The hearing will be rescheduled and the revised public hearing program will be available on the Committee website. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia13 11 14 BeyondBlue1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back1300 659 467 eheadspace1800 650 890 Kids Help Line1800 551 800 Media enquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 27 May 2021, the first day of National Reconciliation Week, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hear from Mr Tom Brideson, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia – the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention leadership body.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 May 2021

On 27 May 2021, the first day of National Reconciliation Week, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hear from Mr Tom Brideson, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia – the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention leadership body. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, is fitting as the Committee turns its focus to identifying impactful measures to support mental health reform, suicide prevention, and improved wellbeing. Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said ‘The Committee looks forward to hearing from Gayaa Dhuwi to develop a better understanding of issues around accessibility to culturally-appropriate mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Committee is particularly interested in how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workforce can be strengthened to meet urban, rural and regional demand.’ On 3 June 2021, the Committee will continue its engagement with national peak bodies, holding a public hearing with Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia – two organisations representing and promoting the collective interests of the mental health and suicide prevention sectors. Public hearing details Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia Date: Thursday 27 May 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am AEST Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra Mental Health Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia Date: Thursday 3 June 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 am AEST Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/liveand the public hearing programs will be available on the Committee website. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia13 11 14 BeyondBlue1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back1300 659 467 eheadspace1800 650 890 Kids Help Line1800 551 800 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 13 May 2021, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hear from Ms Christine Morgan, National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister and CEO of the National Mental Health Commission.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 13 May 2021

On 13 May 2021, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hear from Ms Christine Morgan, National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister and CEO of the National Mental Health Commission. Ms Morgan will speak to the Committee on the Final Advice to the Prime Minister, released last month, which was informed by lived experience and identified recommendations for national suicide prevention reform. In its interim report, the Committee noted interest in recommendations on data collection, prevention, assessment, as well as follow-up on discharge and aftercare. Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said 'The Committee endorses the ‘towards zero’ suicides target outlined by the Prime Minister. In addition to ensuring community-wide prevention initiatives, the Committee recognises the growing importance of postvention and guaranteeing national consistency in aftercare.’ This hearing is the second of several expected to be held between now and when the Committee presents its final report, due in November 2021. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 13 May 2021 Time: 10:00 am to 11:15 am AEST Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live and the public hearing program is available on the Committee website. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.  

Yesterday, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention released its interim report.

Media release issue date: Friday, 16 April 2021

Yesterday, the House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention released its interim report. The Committee’s interim report includes an update on the Committee’s activities to date, and emerging themes identified through recent reports into Australia’s mental health system and engagement with the Productivity Commission, National Mental Health Commission and Department of Health. Chair of the Committee, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said 'The interim report provides a snapshot of the breadth of work underway on mental health and suicide prevention. It also identifies some areas that the Committee feels need further examination as the inquiry progresses. These areas include the divide between public and private mental healthcare, coordination and funding of mental health services, affordability, the growth of telehealth and digital services in response to COVID-19, and the role of professional bodies in advocating for, regulating and supporting the workforce.’ Moving into the second phase of the inquiry, the Committee will hold a series of public hearings with a range of organisations, from public and private mental health service providers to organisations representing consumers and carers, professional and peak bodies, and researchers. The dates and locations of public hearings will be published on the inquiry website. The interim report can be accessed on the committee’s website. The final report of the Committee is due to be presented by 1 November 2021. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Media enquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee 02 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is commencing public hearings with the first taking place in Canberra on 18 March 2021.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 March 2021

The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is commencing public hearings with the first taking place in Canberra on 18 March 2021. The Committee will hear from the Productivity Commission, the National Mental Health Commission and the Department of Health on current mental health and suicide prevention strategies grounded by the extensive research these organisations have already undertaken. Chair of the Committee, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said 'This hearing is an opportunity for the Committee to hear from the leading government departments and agencies driving the mental health policy agenda.’ ‘We want to have a productive discussion about what has been successful, and where there could be improvements, to ensure that the right actions are being taken to achieve increased personal outcomes for those suffering from mental health difficulties and workers.’ This hearing is the first of several expected to be held for the inquiry between now and when the Committee presents its final report. Dr Martin added that: ‘The Committee will use the evidence from this hearing to shape the Interim Report and the second phase of the inquiry, which will inform the final recommendations due in November.’ Public hearing details Date: Thursday 18 March 2021 Time: 10:15 am to 11:45 am AEDT Location: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live and the public hearing program will be available at the Committee website prior to the hearing. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Media inquiries Office of Dr Fiona Martin MP Chair of Committee (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

A select committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 25 February 2021

A select committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, ‘While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything. Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress. In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation prioritised and communities rally to support one another’. The Committee will begin the inquiry by reviewing the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health, the Report of the National Suicide Prevention Officer, the Victorian Royal Commission and the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It will then turn its attention to the experiences and successes of mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders, from grassroots services through to international initiatives. The Committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference and invites individuals and organisations to share their views with the Committee. The closing date for submissions is 24 March 2021. A guide to making a submission can be found on the website. The Committee will also hold hearings as part of this inquiry so that it can hear from people who have relevant experience or expertise. The dates and locations for the Committee's hearings will be published on the inquiry website. The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 eheadspace 1800 650 890 Media inquiries Dr Fiona Martin MP, Chair (02) 9715 7444 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4633 mhsp.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Media release issue date: Monday, 1 January 0001