The Victorian Government has launched a 10-year plan to make the state’s mental health and wellbeing system more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to people from all backgrounds.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today launched the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework 2025–2035, which sets out a long-term vision for a system that supports multicultural and multifaith communities, LGBTIQA+ Victorians, and people with disability.
The Framework was co-designed with more than 500 community members, organisations, and peak agencies, including people with lived and living experience of mental illness. It will guide the Victorian Government’s actions to embed diversity and inclusion across the mental health and wellbeing system.
Minister Stitt said the Framework will ensure that people from diverse backgrounds are supported to get the care they need, close to home.
“We know that people from diverse backgrounds often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health and wellbeing support and this Framework sets to change that,” she said.
The accompanying Blueprint for Action 2025–28 outlines the first set of initiatives. These include improving the responsiveness of the mental health and wellbeing system, strengthening the capability of organisations supporting diverse communities, and addressing stigma and discrimination.
It also focuses on promoting good mental health and wellbeing, preventing suicide, and increasing representation and participation of people from diverse communities at all levels of the mental health and wellbeing system. The Blueprint will be refreshed every three years to measure progress, capture community feedback, and align with other government programs and policies.
To support the Framework, the Victorian Government is investing $27.2 million in community mental health services that assist organisations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Cabrini Outreach, and Foundation House. A further $4.8 million has been allocated to support Switchboard’s Rainbow Door program for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, along with funding for mental health training for Auslan and Deaf interpreters.
Minister Stitt said everyone should feel safe and respected when accessing mental health support.
“Everyone deserves to feel welcome, respected and safe when accessing community supports and our mental health services – no matter their background, identity, or ability,” she said.
The release of the Framework delivers on Recommendation 34 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, aimed at improving access to mental health and wellbeing services and ensuring better outcomes for diverse communities.
