Consumer-Led Conversations is a webinar series from the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance. It shares the thinking, evidence and advocacy coming out of the consumer movement.

In this session, members from the RISE: Mental Health Consumers Queensland Consumer Advisory Group and VMIAC Voices for Change present two pieces of work they have developed through 2026. Each looks at a different side of the same question: who holds power in mental health, and who is held accountable?

RISE Consumer Advisory Group: From consultation to shared authority: Rethinking governance across the mental health system

Who holds authority in Australia’s mental health system, and who is only asked for their views? Since March, the CAG has examined six key areas of systemic governance. The group developed a briefing paper and tracked independent reviews, their recommendations and emerging evidence. This presentation shares what that work has shown and the high-level recommendations now taking shape around a core proposition: Australia needs to move from consulting people with a lived experience to sharing authority with them across the full mental health system stewardship cycle.

VMIAC Voices for Change: Beyond biomedical care: Building accountability for the social determinants of mental health

How can governments be held accountable for the social conditions that shape mental health? Drawing on consumer-led mapping of national policy across housing, income support, community infrastructure, and the health and mental health systems, this presentation uses loneliness and social disconnection as a case example. It looks at where responsibility sits and whether recognising social determinants leads to coordinated action. It also outlines an emerging proposal for community impact assessments, which would require governments to consider how proposed legislation affects connection and belonging.

This is a free online event. You’ll receive the joining link after you register.

Contact the host of November Consumer-Led Conversations: RISE: Mental Health Consumers Queensland Consumer Advisory Group and VMIAC Voices for Change

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