Question Time AU

General Debate

Mental Health Month

House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members discussed mental health initiatives and challenges during National Mental Health Month. Luke Gosling highlighted government programs in the Northern Territory, including men's health support, youth leadership centres, and eating disorder services, while noting upcoming social media restrictions for under-16s. Aaron Violi criticised the government for reducing Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to 10, citing rising costs and wait times as barriers to care. Violi argued that these cuts disproportionately affected those with financial stress, while Gosling emphasised the implementation of royal commission recommendations for veteran mental health.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Luke Gosling (Solomon) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Gosling reflected on National Mental Health Month, focusing on initiatives in the Northern Territory. Gosling acknowledged the work of colleagues in improving mental health outcomes and highlighted the role of Dan Repacholi as Special Envoy for Men's Health. Gosling described efforts to challenge unhealthy masculine stereotypes through programs like men's sheds and the Turtle Back leadership centre for young boys. Gosling also noted funding increases for headspace and Medicare mental health centres, and mentioned the upcoming ban on social media accounts for under-16s. Finally, Gosling stated that the government was implementing royal commission recommendations to support veteran mental health.