Mental Health Month

Smith shared his personal experience with mental health struggles after ending his professional basketball career, emphasising the importance of community support. Smith highlighted the impact of natural disasters and the pandemic on regional mental health, advocating for free walk-in care. Smith supported the expansion of headspace services and the social media ban for under-16s to protect children's wellbeing.

Templeman praised the transformation from acute-only care to accessible early intervention services like headspace and Medicare Mental Health Centres. Templeman detailed the new Medicare Mental Health Check In service, delivered by St Vincent's Health Australia, offering free digital support from January 2026. Templeman also acknowledged the work of the Special Envoy for Men's Health and local community groups addressing specific mental health needs.

Smith noted that mental health is the leading reason for GP visits and highlighted the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Tuggeranong. Smith announced the upcoming perinatal mental health centre in his electorate, operated by the Gidget Foundation. Smith also discussed the social media ban for under-16s, citing feedback from local schools about the negative impact of online platforms on young people's mental health.

Moncrieff described the Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre, which has delivered over 23,000 occasions of service since opening. Moncrieff emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary teams and peer workers in providing compassionate, non-clinical environments. Moncrieff highlighted investments in headspace services in Liverpool and Miranda, noting the expansion to 203 locations nationwide to support young people.

Miller-Frost outlined the mental health crisis statistics and the government's $1.1 billion package to expand services. Miller-Frost detailed new facilities in Boothby, including a Kids Hub, a Medicare Mental Health Centre, and a perinatal centre. Miller-Frost also mentioned the $500 million investment in youth specialist care centres and the expansion of bulk-billing incentives to improve GP access.

Jarrett discussed the social and environmental factors affecting mental health, including bullying and social media addiction. Jarrett highlighted the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Lutwyche and the upcoming social media ban for under-16s. Jarrett referenced eSafety Commissioner statistics on online harm and emphasised the need for real-life connections to combat loneliness.

Urquhart celebrated the opening of the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Devonport and the upcoming centre in Burnie. Urquhart highlighted the expansion of headspace services, including a headspace Plus facility in Burnie for severe mental health issues. Urquhart also noted the National Early Intervention Service and investments in the peer workforce to improve community-based care.

Briskey discussed the importance of men's sheds and Lifeline in supporting mental health, particularly for men. Briskey announced a $6.2 million investment for a new headspace in Moonee Valley and supported the social media age reforms. Briskey also highlighted the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the role of lived experience in policy development.

Holzberger shared personal stories of friends who died by suicide to highlight the prevalence of male mental health issues. Holzberger criticised the impact of economic rationalism and social media on community connection. Holzberger praised programs like MATES in Construction for reducing suicide rates and supported the work of the Special Envoy for Men's Health.

Repacholi focused on men's mental health, noting that men account for over three-quarters of suicides. Repacholi discussed the stigma surrounding help-seeking and the specific challenges faced by men in high-risk industries. Repacholi highlighted various support programs, including Men's Table and culturally safe services for First Nations men, and urged men to seek help from GPs.

Belyea stated that nearly half of Australians have experienced mental health issues and highlighted the high number of suicide deaths in 2024. Belyea detailed government investments of $2.4 billion, including funding for Medicare mental health hubs, youth specialist care centres, and headspace upgrades. Belyea described hosting a men's health forum in Dunkley and the formation of a local men's health network to support connection and prevention.

Doyle detailed the government's $1.1 billion pledge to grow mental health services, covering 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres and 20 perinatal centres. Doyle highlighted the headspace Knox upgrade to a headspace Plus facility and the launch of a new national early intervention service. Doyle recounted her post-natal depression experience to show the need for accessible care and claimed that mental health investment aids national prosperity.