LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has submitted recommendations in response to the proposed reforms to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO).
The submission emphasises the urgent need to prioritise the mental health and suicide prevention needs of LGBTIQ+ people, who face disproportionately high rates of mental ill-health and suicidality due to stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Key recommendations include embedding cultural competence training, mandating inclusive data collection using the 2020 Standard, and establishing dedicated advisory roles for LGBTIQ+ representatives. These measures aim to ensure the reformed systems are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Australians.