Make mental health care free for under 25s: election push

Australia’s biggest mental health providers and advocates have launched a major pre-election campaign calling on the next government to tackle the explosion of youth mental illness over the last decade.

Mental health care providers and advocates are calling on the next government to prioritise the issue in Australians under 25.

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Australia’s biggest mental health providers and advocates have launched a major pre-election campaign calling on the next government to make mental health care free for all those aged under 25, following an explosion of youth mental illness over the last decade.

As leading mental health experts warn neither major party is adequately prioritising mental health and leaving “whole generation of people on the scrap heap”, Mental Health Australia on Thursday unveiled its election pitch aimed at removing barriers to seeking help for the country’s young people.

MHA policy and advocacy director Emma Greeney said with two-thirds of mental health issues emerging by age 25, it was critical that government’s boosted their investment in accessible care for people earlier in life.

“Too many families and young people in Australia are forced to choose between essential mental health care and basic living costs,” she said.

“At a time when people need support the most, one in five people delayed or did not see a health professional for their mental health due to cost in 2023-24. In a recent survey, young people reported that cost is the most significant barrier for them accessing mental health care.”

While MHA’s call for free mental health care for those under 25 is not costed, the policy would likely cost hundreds of millions of dollars on top of the current $4bn federal government spend in the area.

The push comes as health insurance premiums are due to rise by their highest rate in seven years, with Australians facing hundreds of extra dollars of out-of-pocket costs for healthcare as a result.

The Coalition has been critical of Labor’s mental health record while in government, and committed to reversing the move to cut the number of subsidised psychology sessions from 20 to 10 after the Covid pandemic.

Peter Dutton also matched Labor’s $8.5bn Medicare investment, but with an additional $500m package for mental health support.

Prevention United chief executive Suzanne Dick said while the $8.5 billion investment into primary care was welcome, it was only “one piece of the puzzle.

“We urge policymakers to adopt a holistic approach to healthcare reform—one that not only improves access but also prioritises prevention,” she said.

“The benefits extend far beyond health, positively impacting justice, education, and family services. We want to ensure mental health is not just treated but prevented.“

The uncosted pre-election pitch put forward by MHA – which represents more than 140 service providers and professional bodies – also calls a boost in the Medicare rebates for psychology, psychiatry, paediatric care and other allied mental health support, a reduction in wait-times and expanding access to mental health professionals in schools and childcare.

Former Australian of the Year and leading mental health expert Pat McGorry – who warned last month of the “deep silence” on mental health from all policy makers – said it was “imperative that the next federal government step up to the plate with decisive action”.

“I really hope that, for the sake of ordinary Australians, mental health care is seen as a cost-of-living issue too, because what care is available is too often hidden behind major cost barriers,” he said.

Loan Huynh, a mother of three who’s children are struggling with anxiety, depression and school refusal said out-of-pocket mental health expenses could have a “massive impact” on her household budget.

“I will always make sure my kids get what they need, but that often means I don’t get what I need. I am on a Mental Health plan myself, but I haven’t seen my own psychologist in a while because I’ve been so focused on getting my kids settled into the new year. They’re always the priority,” she said.

Labor has maintained it’s “committed to reforming the mental health system to ensure all Australians receive equitable access to the care they need”, but that reform would take time.