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.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past and present, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

Diversity

The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.