Mental health reform: where are we in 2024?

Ian Hickie; Sebastian Rosenberg

doi:10.1071/AH24194

EDITORIAL

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Mental health reform: where are we in 2024?

Ian Hickie ^A and Sebastian Rosenberg ^A ^B ^*

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

^B Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

^* Correspondence to: sebastian.rosenberg@sydney.edu.au

Australian Health Review 48(4) 337-339 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24194

Submitted: 16 July 2024 Accepted: 17 July 2024 Published: 1 August 2024

Abstract

What is known about the topic? Little is known about the state of mental health reform in Australia. This article describes the struggle to develop the systems of accountability necessary to assess national progress. What does this paper add? We provide some historical context regarding mental health reform and consider recent efforts in particular, before then describing current key opportunities. What are the implications for practitioners? Many people working in mental health are struggling to deliver quality services to Australians. This paper considers the broad policy issues which have led to this situation. This is useful for practitioners who can then better respond and participate in processes of systemic reform. Opportunities to engage now in key policy formulation are identified in the article.

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