Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

COAG approves mental health approach

Eating disorders and suicide prevention have been prioritised in a COAG Health Council approved national mental health plan.

Eating disorders and suicide prevention measures are at the centre of a new national mental health care approach.

State and federal government health officials approved the Fifth National Mental Health Plan at a COAG Health Council meeting in Brisbane on Friday.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said it stood out from previous plans with its focus on eating disorders and suicide prevention, keys areas that had been raised by lobbyists.

"The prevalence and the danger of (eating disorders) is still dramatically understated in Australia," he told AAP.

"The reality is that this is a silent killer, particularly women can be caught up for years, so there is a mutual determination to make progress."

The plan will also focus on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and suicide prevention, reducing stigma and discrimination, and better coordinating treatment and support programs.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world