Funding boost for mental health
The Albanese Labor government invested $72.7 million to boost headspace services nationwide, reducing wait times and improving access to free mental health support for young Australians.
Industrial Relations
Term 2
On 9 October 2025, the government announced an additional $72.7 million investment to boost headspace services across the nation, giving young Australians quicker access to free mental health support. This investment will support initiatives to reduce wait times and improve access to free mental health care for young people across 85 headspace services. The funding will deliver additional staff to meet high demand for services, new activities to cater for individual and group supports (including single session and group therapies), capital and infrastructure improvements to deliver safe, welcoming and modern centres, and activities to provide more inclusive support for young people from First Nations communities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The Albanese Labor government funds 172 headspace services across Australia and is opening 58 new, expanded and enhanced headspace services. This includes 30 headspace services being uplifted to headspace Plus, an enhanced service for young people experiencing severe mental illness. headspace provides support for young people aged 12 to 25 years who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill health. Young people who prefer to receive support online or via phone can visit www.headspace.org.au or call 1800 650 890. The funding announcement was made on National headspace Day, reinforcing the government's commitment to delivering new, enhanced and expanded free mental health services for young people closer to home.
Summary:
$72.7 million investment to boost 85 headspace services, reducing wait times and improving access to free mental health care
Funding delivers additional staff, group therapies, infrastructure improvements, and inclusive support for First Nations, LGBTIQA+ and CALD young people
Government funds 172 headspace services and is opening 58 new or enhanced services, including 30 upgraded to headspace Plus for severe mental illness
[1] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-emma-mcbride-mp/media/national-headspace-day-funding-boost-to-improve-headspace-services?language=en
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