Mental Health Australia warmly invites you to attend our first Members Policy Forum (MPF) for 2026. This Members Policy Forum is a timely opportunity to come together following the release of the 2026 federal budget to consider the next steps for our sector and identify shared priorities for mental health reform.

We are pleased to confirm that as part of the day we are hosting the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to facilitate a consultation with members on National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement priorities.

Confirmed speakers:

• The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme

• The Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

• Mr Henry Pike MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Shadow Assistant Minister for the NDIS

• Gavin Matthews, First Assistant Secretary, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 

• Dr Peggy Brown AO, Chair, Mental Health Australia

• Priscilla Brice, CEO, National Mental Health Consumer Alliance

• A/Prof Grant Blashki MD MBBS FRACGP, Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne

• Prof Jill Newby, Head of Clinical Research, Black Dog Institute

• Dr Rachel Tindall, Chief National Programs, Orygen

• Vikki Ryall, Chief Clinical Officer, Headspace

Please note minor updated event timings:

• Arrive from 7.45am

• Registration from 8am

• Forum commences at 8.20am sharp

• Forum concludes at 3pm

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Event Essentials

Date: Thursday 14 May 2026

Time: 7.45am arrival for an 8.20am start – 3pm AEST

Venue: Old Parliament House, 18 King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600 (Entry via Queen Victoria Terrace)

Important Information

In-person spaces are strictly limited to two per member* organisation.
This is a free, member-only event.
Please note that the program is subject to change.
Components of the day will be accessible via Zoom.
In-person registrations have closed. You can still register to join online. Click here to register for Zoom.

*Lists of Mental Health Australia Members (Full and Associate) are available here. For further information please email events@mentalhealthaustralia.org.au or phone 02 6285 3100.

Contact the host of Mental Health Australia's Members Policy Forum - 14 May 2026