Our Role
We provide independent policy advice and evidence on ways to improve Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention system, and act as a catalyst for change to achieve those improvements.
Through the monitoring and reporting of initiatives and investments, the Commission guides system reforms to ensure all Australians are able to prioritise their physical and mental health equally.
Through collaboration and engagement we incorporate information and data from a broad range of sources, both inside and outside the traditional health or mental health areas, across sectors, jurisdictions, communities and internationally to provide evidence-based reports and advice that represent diverse perspectives and are connected to community need.
The Commission works across all areas that promote mental health and prevent mental illness and suicide – not just government and not just health, but education, housing, employment, human services and social support, so that all Australians achieve the best possible mental health and wellbeing, and are able to lead contributing lives within thriving communities.
What we do
We aim to provide leadership to support and strengthen Australia’s mental health system to meet the needs of the community, create increased accountability and transparency in the mental health and suicide prevention system, and support the national prominence of mental health and wellbeing. We do this through:
- Providing evidence-based advice to the Australian Government where there is a priority need or emerging issue;
- Engaging and collaborating across sectors, jurisdictions and internationally, and prioritising people with lived experience;
- Fostering open and collaborative partnerships through participation in international, regional, national and jurisdictional sector committees and forums;
- Establishing project advisory groups with representation of key stakeholders that meet regularly to inform and guide the development of our work;
- Undertaking consultations and engagement programs via workshops, surveys, public forums and targeted interviews;
- Monitoring and reporting on the mental health and suicide prevention system to support continuous improvement.
What we do not do
We do not get involved in individual cases or advocate for individual people or groups. Instead we are an advocate for system improvement and better accountability.
We are not a fund holding body. We do not provide services, grant programs or funding for unsolicited projects or campaigns.
Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent
The Statement of Expectations outlines the Prime Minister and Minister for Health’s expectations of the Commission’s role, responsibilities and activities. The Statement of Intent outlines how the Commission will meet these.
