Overview

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1 billion mental health investment as a cornerstone of Labor's re-election campaign.
• The plan includes $500 million for 20 youth specialist care centres, $225 million for 31 Medicare mental health centres, and $200 million for 58 Headspace services.
• An additional $90 million will fund 1,200 new training places for mental health professionals to address workforce shortages.
• Mental health experts, including Mental Health Australia and Orygen, praised the initiative as a 'landmark investment' to improve access to free care.
• The announcement sets up a clear policy contrast with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's pledge to restore 20 Medicare-subsidized psychology sessions, emphasizing different approaches to mental health reform.