This report presents a refreshed approach to annual reporting on Australia’s mental health system. The document provides a concise, consistent, and data-driven view of mental health and wellbeing in Australia. It draws together relevant events and data on a set of core indicators to reflect on the 2023 calendar year and understand how the system is faring.

Key findings

• Analysis of the available data shows there has not been an improvement in mental health and wellbeing for people in Australia over the past decade or more, and some are experiencing a decline in whole-of-life outcomes.
• Factors that influence mental health and wellbeing such as financial stress, loneliness, and discrimination are not improving. In addition, there are signs that the mental health system is struggling to meet demand, or to improve experiences for people. There are, however, promising signs that progress is being made in some key areas of safety and consumer rights.
• Urgent action is particularly important for assisting young people with mental health concerns and ensuring the right supports are in place. The percentage of people aged 16-24 years who experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months has increased from 26% in 2007 to 39% in the period between 2020 and 2022. The increase over this time span is greatest for young females (from 29% to 46%) compared to young males (from 23% to 32%).