Mental Health Australia Chief Steps Down Due to Government Inaction

‘I feel that a lack of traction at the Australian government level means it is time for someone else to take this important mental health mantle.’

Mental health support workers at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre for the first time following a tragic knife attack in Sydney, Thursday, April 18, 2024. Bianca De Marchi/AAP

The chair of Mental Health Australia, Matthew Berriman, has resigned over what he described as the Albanese government’s “lack of traction” on mental health.

This comes three years after the now-former head of the peak body, representing more than 80 member organisations, began petitioning the federal government to improve the mental health system.