Labor Unveils $1 Billion Mental Health Plan Ahead of Election Debate
The Albanese government commits to major investments in youth mental health services and workforce training, positioning healthcare as a central election issue.
- Labor's $1 billion mental health package includes funding for 21 new Medicare Mental Health Centres, expanded Headspace services, Youth Specialist Care Centres, and professional training programs.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the plan's focus on improving free access to mental health care, particularly for young Australians, as part of efforts to strengthen Medicare.
- The announcement comes as Labor counters Opposition leader Peter Dutton's pledge to double Medicare-subsidized psychologist sessions and expand youth mental health services.
- Mental health advocates have praised the package for addressing workforce shortages and increasing access to free mental health support across Australia.
- The funding commitment is a key component of Labor's broader campaign strategy, with healthcare emerging as a pivotal issue ahead of the leaders' debate in Sydney.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
The Sydney Morning Herald 
The Guardian 
SBS News 