The Commission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the
lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away
National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card in development: Breaking down barriers
The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) is committed to monitoring and reporting on mental health to drive accountability and reform.
Date published:
As part of our work, the Commission is proud to announce a new partnership with SANE Australia in the development of Australia’s first National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card. The first report card will be published in 2026 with a second in 2028.
The Report Card will give policy makers the robust data they need to improve mental health care and strengthen accountability.
CEO David McGrath said, ‘With around four million Australians facing mental health-related stigma and discrimination each year, we urgently need national data to understand this problem.’
‘The Report Card will shine a light on stigma and discrimination, helping to improve outcomes for everyone affected by mental health challenges.’
‘This project will provide us with the evidence needed to drive real change so that people in Australian, especially our young people, are treated with respect and have the support they deserve,’ said Mr McGrath.
Rachel Green, CEO of SANE Australia, said, ‘This work builds on SANE’s forty year legacy of stigma reduction and consumer advocacy. Development of the National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card marks a major step toward a fairer, stigma free Australia. By combining world first data with powerful lived experience insights, we can clearly see where stigma is most entrenched and drive the national action needed to ensure people living with mental ill health are fully included and supported.'
Research shows:
three in four young people in Australia believe mental illness is stigmatised
three in five people with lived experience were treated unfairly or discriminated against in the past year.
three in ten carers and support people said others avoided or ignored them because of their support role.
This work reinforces the National Mental Health Commission’s important role in monitoring, reporting and driving accountability and improvement across the mental health system.
The first National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card is due to be published in May 2026.
National Mental Health Commission media contact Email: news@health.gov.au Telephone: 02 6289 7400
The Commission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.
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.
