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Release of 2026 National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card
The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission), in partnership with SANE Australia, has released the Commission’s first National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card (the Report Card).
Date published:
The Report Card was launched by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon. Emma McBride on 1 July 2026. It shows where progress has been made in reducing stigma and discrimination in Australia. It also shows where more work is needed.
Commission CEO David McGrath said stigma and discrimination continue to have a serious impact on people with mental health challenges.
“The really confronting finding is that around 70% of people experienced discrimination in at least one area of life. For some people, it’s not getting better – it’s getting worse. That tells us this is still a very real, very widespread issue,” Mr McGrath said.
The 2026 National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card complements the Commission’s broader National Report Card. The National Report Card 2024 found major gaps in national reporting on the performance of Australia’s mental health system.
The Commission has committed to building its reporting framework. This includes to build a strong, data-driven evidence base that provides a complete picture of how the system is performing.
“The 2026 Stigma and Discrimination Report Card represents an important step in delivering on that commitment, complementing our National Report Card and deepening our understanding of these issues,” Mr McGrath said.
The Report Card uses world-first nationally representative data collected by the University of Melbourne through the 2024–25 National Survey of Stigma and Discrimination.
It provides a national picture of how people with mental health challenges are perceived and treated in Australia. It also helps track change over time.
“Stigma won’t disappear on its own, it requires sustained, coordinated effort. That means action across governments, workplaces, services and communities. We need inclusive environments and practical initiatives that reduce prejudice. The Commission’s role is to keep tracking progress and holding the system to account – reducing stigma is not optional, its essential to improving people’s lives,” Mr McGrath said.
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.
