The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (National Agreement) came into effect on 8 March 2022 after it was signed by the Commonwealth Treasurer and several jurisdictions. Western Australia signed the agreement on 27 April 2022.

The Bilateral Schedule on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Western Australia (Bilateral Schedule) was signed by the Minister for Mental Health on 10 April 2022.

The Bilateral Schedule resulted in a $61.5 million investment in Western Australia for mental health and suicide prevention over four years from 2022-23. Funding has been directed to:

• The Kids Hub
• Aftercare Services 
• Statewide Eating Disorder Services in the East Metropolitan Health Service.

The National Agreement will be reviewed in 2025, ahead of negotiations on the next National Agreement due to commence in July 2026.

The Productivity Commission’s (PC) Report into the role of improving mental health to support economic participation and enhancing productivity and economic growth in Australia, was publicly released in November 2020.

In May 2021, the Federal Government released their response to the PC Report, alongside the Federal Budget 2021-22 in its Prevention Compassion Care National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. The Plan is informed by the lived experiences of everyday Australians and the advice and recommendations from the PC and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser - Final Advice.

For any enquiries, please email igr@mhc.wa.gov.au.