Mental health
Final report released
- Why the inquiry?
- Issues paper
- Draft report
- Final report
What we were asked to look at
This inquiry examined the effect of mental health on people’s ability to participate in and prosper in the community and workplace, and the effects it has more generally on our economy and productivity.
It looked at how governments across Australia, employers, professional and community groups in healthcare, education, employment, social services, housing and justice can contribute to improving mental health for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
The Commission consulted widely, including in regional Australia. We also considered how to most effectively receive input from particular groups such as consumers and carers.
Read the Terms of Reference Media release Media releaseIssues paper and initial submissions
The Commission released an issues paper to guide people in preparing a submission. It set out some of the issues and questions the Commission has identified as relevant at the early stage of the inquiry.
Initial submissions were due by 5 April 2019.
Draft report
The Commission sought further information and feedback from the draft report, released on 31 October 2019.
Submissions were due by 23 January 2020.
Final report to Government and release
The inquiry final report was handed to the Australian Government on 30 June 2020 and publicly released on 16 November 2020.
The report discusses some key influences on people’s mental health, examines the effect of mental health on people’s ability to participate and prosper in the community and workplace, and implications more generally for our economy and productivity.
Government responses
National Federation Reform Council Statement (Dec 2020)
Prime Minister's media release (May 2021)
National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (May 2021)
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Stocktake
The stocktake report provides an overview of mental health and suicide prevention programs that are funded by the Australian and State and Territory Governments.
Mental health in a COVID-19 Australia | Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA)
Commissioner Stephen King joined CEDA CEO Melinda Cilento to talk about the inquiry, what is needed for Australia’s mental health system to meet the requirements of all Australians such as prevention measures and data use, and the impact of crises like the Bushfires and COVID-19 on Australians’ mental health and what employers can do to support their employees in such times.
2019 Grace Groom Memorial Oration
Commissioner Stephen King delivered the 2019 Grace Groom Memorial Oration for Mental Health Australia at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Monday 25 November 2019.
Read submissions The Productivity Commission is not in a position to provide advice or make recommendations on individual circumstances. Rather, our focus is on the broad issues raised in response to the inquiry terms of reference.
If you need specific help or advice, you can contact one of the services below:
- Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
- Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
- BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
- eHeadspace 1800 650 890
- Carers Australia 1800 242 636
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