Economics of Mental Health in Australia

Economics of Mental Health in Australia
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The National Mental Health Commission believes there is a link between the mental wellbeing of Australians and our economic growth as a nation.

The cost of mental ill-health in Australia each year is around four per cent of GDP or about $4000 for every tax payer and it costs the nation more than $60 billion.

The Commission’s work to date has shown that improving mental health is an invest-to-save issue. As such, the Commission has put the impact of poor mental health on the economic agenda.

Commission Chair, Professor Allan Fels AO, said there is a need for action across sectors to improve our mental health system through appropriate allocation of resources and to build the mental wealth of our nation.

“Evidence suggests we should focus on prevention and early interventions which can reduce the need for more complex and costly interventions,” Professor Fels said.

Read about the Commission’s latest initiatives on the Economics of Mental Health:

Economics of Mental Health in Australia Symposium (348KB)

Economics of Mental Health in Australia Workshop (367KB)

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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 present and emerging, 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.