A new webtool reveals just how much Australians are paying in out-of-pocket costs for mental health services in each electorate around the country.
The Vote Your Mind webtool, launched by grassroots advocacy group Australians for Mental Health, allows people to see what the out-of-pocket costs for mental health support are in their electorate, as well as rates of mental distress.
The snapshot, which is based on new cross-analysis by the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, reveals a significant deterioration in access to care, and major variations between electorates despite need.
"Australia's mental health system is broken. We pour billions into mental health, but our wellbeing is declining. The data from these electorates shows huge disparities in access, need and costs," Australians for Mental Health Executive Director Chris Gambian said.
The webtool allows people to access an auto-generated letter on the side-bar, which also provides details for candidates to email it to based on what electorate they fall into. The letter is designed to put pressure on candidates to advocate for the mental health needs of their local community, and to make it an election issue.
"If you live in Wentworth, you have access to services but the out of pocket costs are ridiculously high. If you live in Lalor, you have the similar levels of distress to the seat of Melbourne, but the data shows a significantly lower amount is spent on Medicare-rebates there for services. We have a devastating crisis on our hands, and how well you cope may truly depend on where you live, and how wealthy you are," Chris Gambian said.
The Vote Your Mind tool page on the Australians for Mental Health Website also includes a more detailed snapshot of Australian electorates.
Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre says access to care is not necessarily associated with levels of psychological distress.
"It's an unfair system that doesn't prioritise need, and it's clearly not working. Mental ill-health is on the rise, and this is the underlying election issue we need to be talking about, that politicians need to be talking about. We need to look seriously at other 21st century solutions," Professor Ian Hickie said.
"It's often people living in the most disadvantaged areas that are missing out. We must change our approach. Providing more free psychology sessions, adding another Medicare item or more bulk billing will simply not solve the problem," Ian Hickie said.
Key asks:
Australians for Mental Health is calling on local candidates and the next government to carefully consider how it addresses Australia's growing mental health crisis
Actively listen to the needs of communities, because one approach to improve wellbeing in the seat of Calare might be different to the seat of Parramatta
Guaranteed access to quality mental health services regardless of where you live and your circumstances
Tackling the route causes of mental ill health, whether that be housing affordability or psychologically unsafe workplaces
Pass a Wellbeing Act to ensure a whole of government approach to mental health, and ensure government accountability
You can fine the webtool here: https://afmh.good.do/election25/pages/home-page/
