The Productivity Commission undertook a final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (National Agreement) in 2025.
In HJA’s submission to the review, we shared evidence and insights on the role of integrated service approaches in addressing the complex social, legal and health issues that can contribute to mental ill-health.
We highlighted HJPs as an innovative approach that integrates legal help within settings that support health and wellbeing, helping services respond more effectively to people’s interconnected needs.
We support the National Agreement’s focus on the social determinants of health and cross-sector responses but note that achieving its long-term vision will require greater investment in integrated service models, prevention and early intervention, alongside stronger support for collaboration across sectors.
In our submission, we emphasise:
- the role of integrated service models in addressing the intersecting legal, health and social needs that can contribute to mental ill-health.
- the need for sustained investment in cross-sector collaboration, including funding for the design, implementation and management of integrated approaches that support prevention and early intervention.
- the importance of recognising and responding to legal need as part of a holistic, person-centred approach to improving mental health and wellbeing.
Read the full submission to find out more.
The Productivity Commission’s final report is available online: [https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries-and-research/mental-health-review/].
