Mental health care should be accessible, timely and free.
In 2020, the government expanded the number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions people can access under the Better Access initiative from 10 to 20 per year. This was a basic but welcome acknowledgement of the harm the pandemic was causing to the mental health of people all over the country. While lockdowns have stopped, the pandemic is still here and we are still experiencing a mental health crisis.
On January 1, the federal Labor government reverted the number of sessions people can access to 10 per year, revoking crucial support for many in our community. This will have a devastating impact on so many people. With the cost of living and housing crises taking an increasing toll on people's mental health, now is the time to be expanding support, not cutting it.
While the number of subsidised sessions is only one part of the broader picture of mental health care the government should provide, this support should be increased, not taken away.
Sign the petition to demand that the Labor government improve mental health care for all.