Would you like to be kept updated on the final report of the mental health inquiry and other work I'm doing on mental health care in NSW?

The mental health system in NSW is failing us.

Mental health accounts for 13% of the total burden of disease in NSW, but investment in mental health care is less than 7% of the state’s total health budget. NSW invests the least per capita into mental health services compared to all other jurisdictions, and spending on specialised mental health services per capita has gone backwards since 2016-17.

This is why I initiated and am now chairing an inquiry looking at this issue. That inquiry heard from a massive number of people who have outlined many of the issues you've raised in your email, as well as how NSW emergency services respond to mental health emergencies, the importance of community-led recovery services, and the dire need for long-term government funding instead of short and fragmented grants and contracts. The inquiry report is expected to be released on the 4th of June.

You can sign the Black Dog Institute's petition calling on the government to fully fund mental health services in NSW here.

Last week I questioned the Treasurer about what he's doing ahead of the State Budget to invest in mental health services across NSW. He didn't outline any new revenue streams to meet the massive funding gap, so we've got heaps more work to do.

We're always looking for people to share their stories with us to inform the work I'm doing. If you'd like to share your experience of mental health services in NSW, send me an email or give my office a call on 02 9230 2566. This can be done confidentially if that's your preference.