There’s nothing like a road trip to bring some perspective to the ever present and sometimes relentless pace of daily life. Leaving the city, this time to visit an elderly parent in hospital - back from the brink – with my two companions (husband and 12-year-old Miss Holly his companion staffy-cross dog), we set off last Saturday to rural Victoria. Like all the times before, something always happens once there is only the expanse of open road in front of me, and the playlist to help us on our way, especially when it’s some Credence, Dolly Parton (of course), and ‘Mr’ Johnny Cash. By the 100km mark, my front seat companion is singing Foreigner’s “I want to know what love is” with heart at the top of his lungs whilst Miss Holly and I smile. Yes, this is one of those moments when it all makes sense, when we’ve stopped to breathe, to connect; being present making these memories together.  

And whilst the difficult conversations and analysis of the tragic events in Sydney over recent days, and the many and varied responses to them, will and must continue so that something of value is learned from all this, I found myself drawn to thinking about the many events of the past, what I learned from each of them, about what matters. It’s something that people with lived experience of mental health challenges and their families, carers and kin know a lot about. Living each day with the impacts of trauma does that to you. It teaches you to look at life square on, to strive for authenticity. It’s your strength; an old acquaintance and a source of knowledge and growth, if you let it. It’s an opportunity for all of us to do and be better. 

What I’ve thought about over the past few days is that, from the moment we’re born and start breathing, we sign up to all the emotions that life throws at us. That’s just the way it is. It’s the human condition we all share that transcends time, culture, faith and politics. You see it when complete strangers help each other. It’s what makes us more alike than different. So, there is hope, therefore, that we can become more compassionate. We just need to choose it over anger, indifference, prejudice and ignorance. 

So, whether your space for thinking through and coping this week has been an open road like me, or standing on a beach looking out to sea, sitting in nature, walking around the farm, sitting at a bus stop or on a park bench watching the hustle of people and traffic go by, or listening to music (other than Dolly), with loved people or pets, or just other spaces for reflecting on these moments in our lives, I hope you have found compassion and connection with all that matters to you.  

Breathe. Love. Live.

For further information on building capacity in lived experience leadership visit: 

Lived Experience Australia: Changing mental health through lived experience 

Mental Health Australia members are invited to join a Policy Hub webinar on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 (the NDIS Bill).

Ms Julie Yeend, Branch Manager, NDIS Governance, Policy and Legislation at the Department of Social Services will provide an overview of the Bill. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Bill, and inform Mental Health Australia’s submission to the Senate Inquiry on this proposed legislation.

Key webinar details:

Date: Friday 3 May 2024
Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm AEST
Place: Online – you will receive the Zoom link after your registration is approved
Registration: Please register as soon as possible via button below.

Mental Health Australia looks forward to hosting this important conversation with members.

Mental Health Australia Members are invited to register for the Budget Special - Members Policy Forum - Thursday 16 May 2024 at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

We are delighted to announce that the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will be our special guest speaker at 8:15am.

We invite you to join us to hear directly from the Government about the outcomes of the Federal Budget, as well as hearing from sector leaders on innovations and challenges in lived experience leadership, recent sector mergers, and addressing the gap in supports for people with complex mental health needs. There will be time to discuss a sector sustainability statement heading into the Federal election, as well as plenty of opportunity for networking with colleagues.

Confirmed speakers currently include:

• The Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
• Bronwyn Field PSM, First Assistant Secretary, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Division, Primary and Community Care Group, Department of Health and Aged Care
• Colin Seery, Chief Executive Officer, Lifeline Australia
• Angus (Gus) Clelland, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health First Aid Australia
• Kathi Boorman, Chief Executive Officer, One Door Mental Health
• Gill Callister, Chief Executive Officer, Mind Australia
• Dr Sebastian Rosenberg, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Policy, Brain & Mind Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney

• Bradley Foxlewin, Lived Experience Director, ACT Health Directorate

• Kerry Hawkins, Carer Co-Chair, National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
• Helen Day, Consumer Co-Chair, National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
• Associate Prof Melanie Turner, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and MHA Board Member
• Aunty Serena Williams, Ngunnawal Elder (Welcome to Country)
• Matt Berriman, Chair, Mental Health Australia
• Carolyn Nikoloski, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Australia

A reminder that accommodation will be in demand as it will be a Parliamentary sitting week, and so we encourage you to book early.

The event will commence at 8am sharp, with registration from 7.30am and tea and coffee available upon arrival. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

EVENT ESSENTIALS:

Event: Budget Special - Members Policy Forum
Date: Thursday 16 May 
Time: 8am (sharp)  – 3pm (Registration opens at 7:30am with tea and coffee) 
Venue: Members Dining Room 2, Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT, 2600.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The morning Budget-related presentations will be live streamed. 
• The afternoon sessions and interactive workshops are in-person only. 
• If you select live stream, a Zoom link will be emailed post-registration. 

In-person registration closes Monday 29 April. 

To register, please email Nikki Hogan at nikki.hogan@mhaustralia.org or phone
02 6285 3100.

The Australian, State and Territory Governments are together analysing unmet need for psychosocial supports outside the NDIS, as committed under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. This will provide a point-in-time estimate (2021-22 and 2022-23) of numbers of people ‘with moderate or severe mental illness’ who are missing out on receiving any psychosocial supports and the estimated additional hours of psychosocial support needed.

This analysis was originally expected to be completed by March 2024. Mental Health Australia understands consultations on this work have been completed nationally and with every State and Territory over February to March 2024, with an interim report considered by Senior Officials. The final analysis is now anticipated to be completed in mid May 2024 to allow time to incorporate feedback, including from the consultations, and further data and analysis.

Mental Health Australia is advised that publication of the unmet need analysis findings will be a matter for all governments to consider when the analysis is completed. Mental Health Australia will continue to advocate for public release of the final analysis.

Fostering Compassionate Communities for Mental Health:
Nominations Open for the 2024 Australian Mental Health Prize

As nominations open for the Australian Mental Health Prize, experts are uniting to underscore the critical need to foster compassionate communities. Recent tragic events have heightened emotions across Australia, particularly fear, despair and sadness. In these difficult times it is even more important to nurture compassion and open dialogue, to better address the multifaceted challenges surrounding mental health across our nation.

See attached Media Release.

Calls for calm. Schizophrenia is not a cause but a condition that demands greater support

SANE, the national organisation representing Australians impacted by complex mental health is gravely concerned at the public speculation following the horrific incident and loss of lives at Bondi Junction on Saturday [13 April]. Placing the blame entirely on the perpetrators mental health status is not only inaccurate, it’s distressing and harmful for those living with long term or complex mental health conditions.

See attached Media Release.

SANE also has a range of resources that may be useful to you:

• SANE information and resources including fact sheets on schizophrenia and guides for individuals/carers on managing different aspects of the condition. Factsheets & Guides (sane.org)
  
  
• SANE support services including telephone line, moderated community forums and guided service (where available). These are staffed by counsellors and peer workers with experience of complex mental health conditions. The forums have some fantastic discussions happening between peers at the moment (note – 18yrs and over only). Get support (sane.org)

• People like You lived experience podcast, hosted by SANE Peer Ambassador Cameron Solnordal and produced in partnership with Mindframe. The latest episode features the wonderful Elfy Scott talking about her role as a carer to her mother who lives with schizophrenia. Podcasts (sane.org)

National poll finds strong support for psychology funding

Peak body for psychology the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has launched the inaugural Thinking Futures report, calling for the Federal Budget to boost psychology services and meet the growing mental health impacts of climate change and inflation. As part of the report the APS conducted a member survey of 1027 psychologists and launched the APS National Mental Health Survey.

Rail industry marks 10th anniversary of Rail R U OK? Day

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is proudly supported the milestone 10th Anniversary last week of Rail R U OK? Day, a joint initiative between the TrackSAFE Foundation and R U OK? ARA Chief Executive Officer and TrackSAFE Foundation Director, Caroline Wilkie, said it is wonderful to see Rail R U OK? Day mark 10 successful years of building safer and more supportive workplace cultures across the rail industry.

New resources helping autistic children to thrive

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to advance initiatives that support every autistic child to reach their goals and thrive. Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth has announced the release of a suite of best-practice resources developed by Autism CRC, with input from autistic people, parents, practitioners and other experts.

Australians for Mental Health announce four new ambassadors

Australians for Mental Health last week welcomed four new ambassadors to their organisation - part of a growing movement to transform the mental health status quo in the nation, and to combat the growing mental health crisis. AfMH Executive Director, Chris Gambian, announced; former member of the Australian House of Representatives Dr Fiona Martin, OAM recipient James Ostroburski, ReachTEL founder and UComms co-owner James Stewart, and Jonathon Welch AM as ambassadors for AfMH.

New services to help children’s mental health (TAS)

Tasmanian children will soon get the early intervention and mental health support they need - with the announcement of three Head to Health Kids Hubs. Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, and Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, and announced the services in Launceston.

Program supports new mums with their mental, emotional and social wellbeing (ACT)

Minister for Community Services Emma Davidson said following a successful pilot phase, a new Canberra Health Services therapy program helping new mothers who are struggling with complex social and emotional difficulties has been extended.

Dedicated youth mental health service to be established (VIC)

Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt, says the Allan Labor Government will establish a new and dedicated public youth mental health service - following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Servicing Melbourne’s north west, the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service will deliver youth mental health and wellbeing care at no cost to the community, in partnership with Orygen a world leader in youth mental health.

Expanding mental health support for Brisbane’s veteran community (QLD) 

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting the mental health and welfare of ADF personnel, veterans and families and is expanding access to Open Arms counselling services across Brisbane. Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite, officially opened two new Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling offices in Stafford and Mount Gravatt last week.

Dire financial counsellor shortage hits Queensland’s most vulnerable (QLD)

Queenslanders in financial crisis are being turned away from free and independent financial counselling due to a massive shortage and underfunding of qualified counsellors. An alarming report released by the Financial Counsellors’ Association of Queensland (FCAQ) today reveals there are only 29 full-time registered financial counsellors, and 81 part-time positions, to service the entire state in the current cost-of-living crisis.

See attached Media Release.

Scope of Practice Review: Issues Paper 2 and Phase 3 of the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce 

Working with our research partners at University of Queensland (UQ), the Scope of Practice Review team have once again drawn together and analysed the evidence collected through Phase 1 and Phase 2 stakeholder consultations, and a review of relevant literature, legislation and regulation. This Issues Paper outlines options for reform based on the sum of this evidence and poses questions for further exploration through the next phase of consultation.

Issues Paper 2 proposes eight reform options grouped under three key themes: Workforce design, development and planning; Legislation and regulation; and Funding and payment policy.

The release of Issues Paper 2 signals the start of the review’s third round of consultation (Phase 3). A call for written submissions will open shortly on Citizen Space. Following the online submission process, a further round of face-to-face and virtual consultations will be held in June 2024.

Youth Survey report on climate change and mental health

Orygen and Mission Australia have released a research report that investigates the impact of climate-related events on young people’s mental health and wellbeing: Impact of extreme weather events on young people – Findings from the 2023 Mission Australia Youth Survey.

The research analysed data collected from over 19,000 young people aged 15-19 years who participated in the 2023 Mission Australia Youth Survey. The 2023 Youth Survey included specific questions to better understand young people’s experiences and concerns regarding adverse climate-related events.

Thirteen percent of 2023 Youth Survey participants indicated they were directly impacted by extreme weather events over the past year, with 40 per cent of this group reporting a direct impact on their household and 60 per cent reporting an impact on their broader community.

Evaluating a resource for supporting voice-hearers

The University of Sydney is offering mental health workers who work with people who hear voices the opportunity to use and help evaluate a new resource. The resource has been co-designed by voice hearers and clinical experts. It can be used to support voice hearers using an evidence-based approach and anecdotal evidence suggests that it is both useful and easy to use.

All mental health workers (e.g., clinicians, support workers, peer workers, psychiatrists etc) are invited to participate. The study will take less than 3 hours of your time spread over 8 weeks and you can use the resource afterward if you find it helpful.

The research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sydney (Protocol #2023/819).

Please use the link via the button or contact Associate Professor Anne Honey: anne.honey@sydney.edu.au if you would like more information.

GPs can now apply for the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential

The Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) has expanded the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential to GPs providing care for people with eating disorders, and applications are now open.

Funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for GPs aims to further enhance the effectiveness and consistency of care for eating disorders in Australia. The Credential for GPs emphasises early identification and initial response for people with eating disorders, encompassing screening, assessment, diagnosis, and referral to appropriate treatment providers. An additional aim of the Credential is to grow the eating disorder workforce so people experiencing eating disorders can access the right care at the right time.

You can view the GP Information Webinar here.

Applications for the new ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for GPs are free until 30 June 2024.

NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce

The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce (the Taskforce) has been established to provide advice on the design and implementation of the new graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model proposed in the NDIS Review Final Report in consultation with the disability community.

Specifically, the Taskforce is providing advice on key design elements related to Recommendation 17 of the Report. Recommendation 17 is to develop and deliver a risk-proportionate model for the visibility and regulation of all providers and workers, and strengthen the regulatory response to long-standing and emerging quality and safeguards issues.

The NDIS Review have provided a summary on this recommendation: A new risk-proportionate model for regulation of providers and workers

The Taskforce are consulting with people with disabilities, their families and advocates, the NDIS provider market, workforce representatives, and other relevant stakeholders in a range of ways.  We wanted to share with you two ways you can get involved:

• The Taskforce have scheduled a range of Roundtables to discuss and explore specific themes and topics.  A comprehensive list of these, including how to register for these can be found on the Roundtables page. 
• The Taskforce are seeking submissions (written, video or verbal) here: NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce – Make a submission | engage.dss.gov.au.  There are guiding questions included to support making of submission.

NDIS Legislation Presentation

The National Disability Insurance Agency last week provided stakeholders with a sharable presentation about the recent proposed legislation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The PDF presentation is attached.

Plain English/easy read material that explains what is included in the Bill, is also available on the DSS website.

The proposed legislation is the first important step to put in place the scaffolding needed to start making the NDIS stronger and to improve outcomes for NDIS participants.

The purpose of the legislation is two-fold, it:

• Creates the scaffolding needed to progress key NDIS Review recommendations, in partnership with people with disability and the disability community.  
• Clarifies the intention of existing legislation to improve the delivery of the Scheme now. These adjustments will make legislation clearer and reinforce the original intent of the Scheme. 

The proposed legislation is informed by feedback from people with disability, their families, carers and the broader disability community over many years—and importantly, it is informed by the NDIS Review.

In addition, the NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 is available on the Parliament of Australia website and further information is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Submissions sought by Senate Enquiry: NDIS Amendment Bill 2024 - extended timeline for submissions

On 27 March 2024 the Senate referred the provisions of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 June 2024.

As part of this inquiry, the committee asks for your views, specifically in relation to the proposed changes within the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.

The NDIS Bill Senate Inquiry is now taking submissions up until 17 May, extended out from 26 April. This is an extension to allow more time for submissions.

More information about how to make a submission can be found here: Making a submission.

Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) NSW - Workforce Solutions Paper

Following MHCC’s Workforce Profile Report, 2023, they have recently released a position paper which identifies recommendations for Mental Health Workforce Solutions: Towards a strategy for community-managed mental health in NSW, 2024. This will inform advocacy endeavours moving forward. It builds on the Workforce Profile survey findings and other relevant literature.

Given that the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 falls short of identifying the critical contribution that the CMO workforce represents, this paper specifically focuses on the mental health CMO workforce as separate from public services and highlights the challenges for the sector on multiple fronts. 

MHCC has identified 10 focus areas for recommended solutions to assist short-term as well as long-term strategic planning.

Call for National Rural Health Alliance Partyline submissions June 2024

The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) is now seeking submissions for Partyline Issue 87, to be published in June 2024.

The upcoming issue of Partyline will showcase innovative approaches and community-led strategies in preventative health that improve the health and wellbeing of rural, regional, and remote communities.

The NRHA invite contributors to reflect on what has worked and how challenges have been overcome in unique settings to provide positive health outcomes for our rural communities. 

Please read the full contributor guidelines before submitting your article. 

Submissions are due by COB Tuesday 10 May 2024 to partyline@ruralhealth.org.au

Medicines Australia’s Code Review is now open

Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct sets the standards for the ethical marketing and promotion of prescription pharmaceutical products in Australia.

Medicines Australia is now reviewing Code Edition 19 and have opened a 4-week consultation window which closes on 2 May 2024.

Parenting in the digital age: managing youth mental health and wellbeing concerns

ReachOut is launching a new research report exploring key mental health and wellbeing concerns of parents and carers about the young people that they care for.

To mark the release of this new report, Reachout will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday 24 April at 12 pm (AEST).

Jackie Hallan, ReachOut’s Interim CEO will be joined by Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner and Zac Seidler, the Global Director, Men’s Health Research at Movember. The discussion will be hosted by journalist and author, Juanita Phillips. The panel of experts will unpack the findings from the report and share their insights and experiences.

In this one-hour event, you will learn about parental concerns regarding youth mental health in the digital age and what support is needed to help parents and carers navigate these issues. The conversation will explore the key concerns of parents and carers and unpack the dual role of digital platforms in both supporting and impacting youth mental health.

Draft National Autism Strategy released for Consultation

The Australian Government, alongside the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and its Working Groups, has developed the draft National Autism Strategy (the Strategy) The draft Strategy has been developed from evidence and what was heard from thousands of Autistic people, their families and carers, and other stakeholders. 

The draft Strategy is a high level, guiding document. It includes a vision, goal, guiding principles, outcome areas and commitments. The final Strategy will be a whole-of-life plan for all Autistic Australians. The four key outcome areas the final Strategy will focus on are: 

• social inclusion
• economic inclusion 
• diagnosis, services, and support,; and
• health and mental health (the National Roadmap led by the Department of Health and Aged Care). 

While feedback received to date has attempted to be reflected the Australian Austism Alliance and National Autism Strategy Oversight Committee encourage you to provide your further feedback to help shape and refine the final Strategy due for release later in 2024.

Feedback is sought including if you think the draft Strategy covers everything it needs to and do you think it will be effective in improving life outcomes for Autistic Australians. You can give feedback via until 3.00pm (AEDT) on Friday 31 May 2024.

Current grant opportunity: 

The Department of Health and Aged Care has recently published an Approach to Market via AusTender for a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the next Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing Study - Health/E23-231083. The RFP was advertised on 14 March  and closes on 26 April.

During the procurement process all questions about the procurement should be addressed to the Contact Officer specified in the RFP via the: childMHsurvey@health.gov.au email address.

Implementation resources for the NSQMHCMO Standards

Are you planning to implement the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations (NSQMHCMO Standards)? Accreditation begins on 1 July 2024.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released a range of practical resources to support CMO service providers, consumers and carers, and accrediting agencies.

Improving emergency department care for suicidal teens and their families

Youth suicide is a growing problem in Australia. There is increasing recognition that brief interventions and strategies may be an important aspect of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

In a joint project between Deakin University and Monash Health, their teams are conducting research to develop a new intervention to support young people who present to the emergency department at risk of suicide and their parents.

One part of the intervention will be a series of text messages to support young people and their parents  in the days and weeks after they are discharged from the ED. To do this, we are seeking input via surveys from:

• Young people currently aged 16-24 who experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide while aged 12-18
• Parents/carers of a teen who experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide
• Clinicians with at least one year experience in working with young people at risk of suicide.

Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in an interview. If you are in one of these groups, or know others in these groups, please complete our survey or advertise to your networks!

REGISTRATIONS OPEN | Psychotropic medicines standard

You are invited to the online launch of the first national Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard, hosted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Psychotropic medications are frequently prescribed to people who live with cognitive disability or impairment – and are often used to manage behaviours of concern, despite the lack of evidence that they are effective for this purpose.

The standard has been developed by clinicians and researchers working in both the aged care and disability sectors to improve the quality of health care for people with cognitive disability or impairment, whenever these medicines are being considered or used.

Join our webcast to hear experts discuss informed consent, adequate assessment, best use of non-medication strategies and how to optimise safety when psychotropic medicines are considered necessary.

When: Thursday 9 May 12:00 – 1:00 pm AEST

2024 Rural Mental Health Conference - Register for abstracts notification

The 2024 Rural Mental Health Conference is inviting people to register their interest to present at the Conference in November. Applications will open on 19 April and close on 10 May 2024.

Register now for the International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 

The 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health returns to Melbourne after 27 years! Join on November 19-22, 2024, hosted at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

With 600+ delegates from around the world, this hybrid event fosters global connections among social workers and professional associations. Join practitioners, academics, researchers, and students in exchanging knowledge on mental health, private practice, family services, and more.

Mark your calendars and be part of this transformative event!

TheMHS Conference in Canberra 2024 - Early bird and Volunteer opportunities

Did you know that TheMHS provides student volunteer opportunities at our events? There are limited student volunteer opportunities available for TheMHS Conference 2024 - Canberra. This is an incredible opportunity for students to complete any course requirements and create valuable connections in the industry.

What: Early bird registration and Volunteer Opportunities to attend TheMHS conference
When: 27 - 30 August 2024
Applications (for both) close: 31 May 2024

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