Overview

• 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.