Prevent, Respond, Adapt: Improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians Pre-Budget Submission 2022-23

Each year the Federal Government lays out its plans for spending in the Federal Budget. And each year, via our Pre-Budget Submission and other activities, we put forward the solutions we think are needed to improve Australians’ mental health and wellbeing.

In 2022, we have given the Government a comprehensive plan based on three key pillars for reform: Prevent, Respond and Adapt.

Our focus is the growing need for psychological services, the impact of COVID-19 on Australian communities, and the current shortage of psychologists to meet demand across the board.

Through appropriate and well-directed investment, we are confident that we can partner with the Government to find solutions that will lead to both economic and social benefits.

We have called for investment in nine specific areas:

• Perinatal mental health
• Psychologists in schools
• Psychologists in Head to Health Kids Hubs
• COVID-19 recovery
• Aged care and disability services
• Digital mental health
• Building the psychology workforce
• Strengthening the psychology workforce, and
• (Ongoing) Support for the psychological workforce (through supervision and professional development). 

Read our submission to find out how these investments could make a real difference to Australians during a time of incredible need.

View submission