Resource Challenges Amid Rising Demand
The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) warns that escalating fuel prices and living costs are intensifying New South Wales’ mental health crisis. These pressures are affecting care access and support services across the state.
On 2 April 2026, Dr Evelyne Tadros, CEO of MHCC, stated, “This crisis is serious enough to warrant a national address, but the message of ‘business as usual’ does not reflect the reality for many people we support.”
Individuals with mental health challenges are increasingly missing crucial appointments due to transport costs and fuel shortages. In regional areas, where public transport options are limited, the situation is particularly severe, leading to increased isolation.
Mental health workers, often relying on personal vehicles, face significant financial strain from rising fuel costs. face-to-face care has reduced, and worker burnout has increased.
Resource Challenges Amid Rising Demand
Community-managed mental health services are being compelled to reduce outreach efforts and limit new client intakes, as the demand for services rises rapidly, outpacing available funding.
Carers report greater difficulties in supporting those they care for, further compounding the crisis. These impacts are especially pronounced in rural and remote communities, where services cover vast geographic areas, exacerbating challenges due to limited transport options.
MHCC is urging governments to provide immediate supplementary funding to manage increased demand and transport costs. They also call for the formal recognition of mental health workers as essential in future planning.
Without intervention, access to care will diminish, leading to higher social and economic costs. The shift from early intervention to crisis-driven support is evident, while funding models have not kept pace with operational costs or the growing complexity of need.
Dr Tadros emphasised the need for urgent government action, saying, “We must embed the community-managed mental health sector into future emergency, fuel, and infrastructure planning.” The MHCC is advocating for short-term supplementary funding, recognition of essential workers, and integration into future planning to address these challenges.
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 7:53 pm
