Policy briefs and submissions

Policy Briefs

We work in partnership with consumers and the community in policy development.  From initiation and planning, to research and execution, and finally in translation and policy development. This optimises health outcomes as it ensures that community need and priorities are embedded in all aspects. 

Addressing the inequity in mental health care

Australians in disadvantaged areas face nearly three times higher mental distress than those in wealthier regions, with severe distress levels seven times higher. Suicide rates also follow a socioeconomic gradient. Despite investments, disparities persist, often due to inequitable access to mental and physical health care.

In order to truly understand the inequity, we need to consider the level of need for care. If we are not measuring correctly then we cannot provide good solutions.

Read the policy brief, research and recommendations.

Contact: Associate Professor Joanne Enticott, Head of Big Data, Mental Health Epidemiology, MCHRI joanne.enticott@monash.edu

Related reading:

For more details, read the related article in The Conversation and the academic publication:

Enticott, J., Meadows, G., Rosenberg, S. For richer, but not for poorer: how Australia’s mental health system fails those most in need (December 2, 2024) The Conversation

Dawadi, S., Shawyer, F., Callander, E., Patten, S., Johnson, B., Rosenberg, S., Lakra, V., Lin, E., Teede, H., Meadows, G., Enticott, J. (2024). An equity indicator for assessing mental healthcare access: a national population case study. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e70.

Inquiry into Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024

Prof Helena Teede will give evidence on behalf of MCHRI’s Partnership Centre for Gender Equality and Leadership Advancement at the Inquiry into Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024 which will form the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024 – Parliament of Australia. 
Read: the Partnership Centre’s submission.  

Menopause & perimenopause submissions

March 2024 – Issues related to menopause and perimenopause to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report. Read:  MCHRI’s Submission

Research Support Services

Our Research Support Services are embedded and underlie out policy development, while also supporting policy makers, hospital administrators and health professionals who seek guidance and want to improve healthcare delivery and systems.

Guidelines and Resources