26 March 2024

Inquiry into Disability Inclusion Bill 2024

For a long time, disability has been widely defined through a ‘deficit’ lens – a ‘problem’ to fix. While
in our and our members’ work, we see that the symptoms of mental health conditions cause
significant distress for those with lived experience, their carers, and kin, there is far more to the
picture. The symptoms of mental health conditions are exacerbated by exclusion. Stigmatising
attitudes around mental ill-health may lead to feelings of shame, which has the effect of deepening
distress. Experiences of discrimination are further destabilising and may cut people off from the
means to find necessary support.

MHCC ACT submission: Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT

Loneliness and social isolation are critical public health issues yet to be addressed by Australian
governments. Loneliness and social isolation are implicated in physical, mental, and cognitive health
conditions that heighten risk of premature death to a similar level as heavy smoking. Despite the
overwhelming health risks associated with loneliness and the impact on public health expenditure
arising, it has not been prioritised in government planning. Further, the general public is largely
unaware of loneliness as a health issue. Individuals are not offered targeted loneliness support. The
existing evidence suggests that loneliness is highly stigmatised, creating further barriers to building
connection.

Happy holidays!

We will be closed from 4pm on 20 December 2024 and will reopen on 6 January 2025.

We wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday season.