Mental Health Coordinating Council’s flagship event, the CEO & Leaders Forum 2025, co-hosted with NSW Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health, brought together sector leaders, advocates and Members of Parliament.

Key sector leaders and peak bodies including those representing people with lived experience, sparked critical conversations about the future of mental health services in New South Wales (NSW). A central theme throughout the event was the growing call to shift toward stronger recovery-oriented models of care—an approach that focuses not just on crisis response, but on long-term recovery. This shift aims to provide individuals with holistic support, addressing their needs beyond the immediate crisis and focusing on empowering long-term well-being.

Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Rose Jackson, addressed the key priorities for the NSW Government – as per previous announcements – on Medicare Mental Health Centres, Safe Havens, Psychosocial Support and Housing, Crisis Helplines, and upcoming legislation for a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention.

The forum served as a vital platform for community leaders to address key issues with the NSW Ministry of Health and Minister Jackson, including housing, recovery, youth detention, and the integration of mental health services.

Jessica Radican, Principal Statewide Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce Officer, NSW Ministry of Health

Funding for community mental health programs, not just crisis care

The importance of enhancing community-based recovery services was emphasised throughout the day, with recognition that while crisis care is a vital component of the mental health system, there remains a significant gap in long-term recovery support for individuals stabilising after a crisis. Jonathan Harms, Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health Carers NSW, noted that recovery services must be accessible in the community—not just during moments of crisis—as the true work of recovery takes place when individuals are supported in their healing journey. This support enables engagement with capacity-building strategies and tools that promote lasting well-being. Despite the strong emphasis on crisis intervention, there is a lack of adequate services to sustain recovery once stability is achieved. Mental health planning and gap analysis must address this missing piece by advancing a robust, integrated recovery model that ensures support continues beyond the crisis phase.

Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, Member of the Greens and Chair of the Inquiry into Equity, accessibility and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in NSW, raised concerns about the current state of mental health services. Dr Cohn noted that conditions had worsened since June of the previous year, particularly with the ongoing resignations of psychiatrists. She echoed the position of the NSW Mental Health Alliance, of which Mental Health Coordinating Council is a member, stressing that focusing only on crisis services would continue to perpetuate systemic challenges.

Issues around funding and expansion of existing community mental health programs was also discussed, with Executive Director of the Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health Brendan Flynn, noting the ongoing efforts to secure a 5-year funding plan for the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) and Community Living Supports (CLS). Although the tender has not yet been released, the Ministry remains optimistic it will roll out early next financial year.

Additionally, Mr Flynn addressed the expansion of the Pathways to Community Living (PCLI) program, noting the biggest challenge has been securing suitable land. However, the Ministry indicated it is close to announcing the locations of future sites.

Addressing intersectional challenges in mental health

DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH

Founding President of Functional Neurological Disorder Australia, Dr Katherine Gill, shared insights on the intersection between physical disability, neurological support, and mental health. Dr Gill emphasised the compounded challenges faced by individuals with multiple health conditions and the importance of creating integrated, accessible support systems. Minister Jackson acknowledged the significance of these intersectional issues, noting that it’s crucial to be aware of these experiences and slippage gaps.

YOUTH DETENTION

Brett Collins from Justice Action addressed the mental health challenges faced by youth in detention, with 90% of youth detainees struggling with their mental health. He called for urgent action to improve mental health services in detention centres and stressed the need for reform in youth justice facilities. Minister Jackson acknowledged the potential for collaboration with Minister Dib (Minister for Youth Justice) to address these challenges. It was noted that the cost per youth in detention is $1 million per year, but limited investment in recovery models has hindered meaningful transformation for youth.

HOMELESSNESS

There is a critical need for better integration of homelessness and mental health services. Effective accommodation solutions should address not only immediate housing needs but also provide long-term support for individuals facing co-occurring challenges related to mental health and substance use. Minister Jackson acknowledged the difficulty in aligning services between Homes NSW and the Ministry of Health. She raised that accommodation should be available for permanent living supports, particularly for the small number of people with high-level needs, whether through a HASI package or other appropriate initiatives.

Bill Campos, CEO, Independent Community Living Australia

Police ineffective as first responders to mental health

Dr Amanda Cohn also highlighted the growing consensus among Members of Parliament that the current system of police first responders to mental health emergencies is ineffective. Dr Cohn suggested that NSW could learn from models in the ACT and South Australia to improve its approach to mental health crises.

Collaboration between federal and state governments

Minister Jackson highlighted the importance of collaborating with the reinstated federal government, particularly with Minister Mark Butler overseeing both Health and NDIS portfolios. It was acknowledged that the NSW government needs to clearly communicate its priorities to the federal government, particularly in eliminating duplication of services across state and federal levels. With a Health and Mental Health ministerial meeting coming in June, Minister Jackson will be receiving a briefing from the NSW Mental Health Alliance to advocate for a co-ordinated approach between federal and state governments.

The CEO & Leaders Forum 2025 underscored the urgent need to move beyond crisis-driven responses and toward a comprehensive, recovery-oriented mental health system in NSW. With strong participation from sector leaders, government agencies, advocacy groups, and people with lived experience, the forum highlighted opportunities for meaningful reform with a multidisciplinary approach to address the mental health challenges faced by individuals across NSW.

As the sector looks ahead, the upcoming ministerial meeting will serve as a critical opportunity to advance these discussions and push for the systemic changes needed to create a mental health system that not only responds to crises but also supports long-term recovery and well-being.

Thank you to all our speakers

The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Mental Health

The Hon. Susan Carter MLC, Co-Chairperson, NSW Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health

Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, NSW Greens MP

Jessica Radican, Principal Statewide Peer (Lived Experience) Workforce Officer, NSW Ministry of Health

Katrina Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Carers Australia

Priscilla Brice, Chief Executive Officer, National Mental Health Consumer Alliance

Dr Brendan Flynn, Executive Director, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health

Professor Andrew Milat, Executive Director, Intelligence and Support for Innovation, Transformation and Evaluation, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation

Ellen Rawstron, Executive Director, Clinical Engagement and Operational Programs, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation

(Images from left to right) Hon. Susan Carter, Jessica Radican, Priscilla Brice, Katrina Armstrong, Professor Andrew Milat, Dr Amanda Cohn, Ellen Rawstron, Dr Evelyne Tadros, and Minister Rose Jackson