NEITHER the Albanese Labor Government nor the Liberal-Nationals Coalition has opted to support a $50 million investment in mental health in agriculture.

A coalition of 50 rural and healthcare organisations and individuals this week publicly called on the Federal Government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to support mental health in agriculture.

The Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture formally approached the Albanese Government and the Liberal-Nationals Coalition for the funding, with only the LNP welcoming the alliance and inviting it to reach out again following the election.

No response was received from the Australian Labor Party after mental health coalition chair Dr Tim Driscoll formally reached out. The funding was also included in the NFF’s election platform keepfarmersfarming.org.au​.

https://nff.org.au/joint-mental-health-statement-28042025/

The mental health alliance has had 20 groups join since its launch last month and this week celebrated the signing on of its 50^th member in Australian Dairy Farmers.

Dr Driscoll, chair of the steering committee leading the initiative, and Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland section’s state manager – mental health, said there is a huge need for mental health support across Australia right now.

“Between drought in South Australia and Victoria and floods in Queensland, farmers are really copping it at the moment.

“We welcome recent commitments from all sides of politics to growing the mental health workforce,” he said.

“We’ve had commitments to expand Medicare Mental Health centres, reinstate 20 Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions, and develop a Rural, Regional, and Remote Health Strategy.

“These announcements reflect a shared recognition that Australia’s mental health system is under significant pressure and requires urgent attention,” Dr Driscoll said.

“However, farmers need specific, targeted services.”

“What use are subsidised mental health sessions if there’s no mental health practitioner with their books open anywhere near you?” he said.

“Farmers are also very hesitant to access telehealth services delivered by city-based professionals who unfortunately may know little about life in rural Australia.

“We’re asking for $50m. It’s not just throwing money at the problem; it’s about tailored services that speak to farmers and fit-for-purpose solutions,” Dr Driscoll said.

The coalition’s Joint Statement outlines five key principles which emerged from the National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture in March 2024, and were refined by a Steering Committee convened by The National Farmers’ Federation.

To join the coalition and support mental health and wellbeing in agriculture, contact the National Farmers’ Federation: 02 6269 5666 or [email protected]

You’ll see the list of organisations on the final few pages of this document: https://nff.org.au/joint-mental-health-statement-28042025/

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• ifarmwell at https://ifarmwell.com.au/farmer-friendly-mental-health-resources
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Farmer Health Support Hub at https://farmerhealth.org.au/support-hub
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
• Head to Health at headtohealth.gov.au