News
9 August, 2025
Mental health gap widens
The latest snapshot of Australia’s mental health system highlights growing challenges, particularly around affordability and access to care.
The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has released its 2024 National Report Card, which reviews the prevalence of mental health challenges, their underlying drivers, and the performance of the mental health system during the 2024 calendar year.
CEO of the Commission, David McGrath, says that by collating data and analysing trends, the Commission can take the pulse of Australia’s mental health system — measuring successes and shortcomings, and calling out issues for governments to address.
Key findings from the 2024 Report Card include:
Increasing financial pressure:
The proportion of people finding it difficult or very difficult to cope on their present income has doubled from November 2020 to January 2024, with women consistently reporting higher levels of financial strain than men.
Cost preventing access:
More than a fifth of people delayed or did not see a health professional for their mental health when needed, due to cost.
Treatment still falling short:
Although more people with mental disorders are accessing treatment compared to previous years, treatment rates remain well below the targets proposed by the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework.
Sense of control declining:
Since 2019, the percentage of people reporting a high sense of control over events in their life has dropped from 75.8% to 71.3%.
Mr McGrath emphasised the importance of funding mental health supports and treatment to meet local community needs.
“We need to see planned service commissioning matched to people’s needs, with greater integration among health services and with other supports, such as housing and financial assistance,” he said.
