
ACT Mental Health Sector Update: 22 March 2024
Dear Friends,
The MHCC ACT team has had a productive start to the year. There have been many balls to juggle, and sometimes it feels like we’ve not enough hands, however we’re confident that we’re making progress.
As the ACT’s mental health peak body, we’ve been actively engaging with our members to hear their stories, connect, and realign on priorities. Despite the many challenges and pressures facing the sector, we’d like to extend our thanks and support to these organisations for the outstanding service they’re providing to our community.
We’ve also been connecting with Ministers, MLAs, and government representatives to discuss our budget and inquiry recommendations. Consistency of messaging is key, and our multi-pronged approach is geared to ensure that the right people, in the right roles, understand what needs to change if we want to made strides in improving our community’s mental health and wellbeing.
Next week, we’re looking forward to having a meaningful conversation with the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. We will put forward key recommendations that prioritise community-building and wellbeing in all policies, as we lead into the Budget and the 2024 ACT election.
Earlier this week, we forwarded our advocacy for mental health in the 2024-25 ACT Budget. Our media release led to an impactful morning drive time chat with ABC Radio Canberra, where we highlighted the unprecedented level of need for support facing Canberrans alongside our sector’s own struggle in the face of dwindling funding.
We have also met with the ACT Mental Health Minister, Emma Davidson. Minister Davidson’s outlook on mental health aligns with MHCC ACT’s mission of fostering a stronger, more resilient community, and she is supportive of our work.
Lastly, the MHCC ACT team attended the ALIVE National Centre Annual Symposium 2024. This inspiring event critically responded to the Federal government’s Measuring What Matters Framework, Australia’s first national wellbeing framework, while also providing an exciting platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovative ideas, with lived experience at the centre.
– Vicky Choice, Director of Engagement and Partnerships MHCC ACT