Joint statement on youth mental health priorities

19 March 2025

Over the last two decades, the mental health of young people in Australia has been declining. From housing insecurity and job uncertainty to rising student debt, global crises and climate change, young people are struggling.

Young people need accessible and affordable mental health support that is designed to meet their help-seeking needs.

We’re eager to work with all parties and independents in the next federal parliament to build a stronger youth mental health system. That’s why we’ve joined leading mental health organisations, including headspace, batyr, Orygen, Prevention United, ARACY, Black Dog Institute, Mission Australia, Youth Focus and yourtown to call for: 

• Free mental health care for everyone under the age of 25, in support of Mental Health Australia’s Federal election platform

• Investment in digital mental health service capacity and innovation 

• A more integrated mental health system 

• Increased funding for mental health promotion and prevention

See the full statement here: Joint statement on youth mental health priorities.