Join us in amplifying the voices of parents, carers, and children by supporting the next phase of Our Kids Count.
Together, we can make sure our voices are heard during this election to ensure a mentally healthy future for our kids.
Dear Prime Minister Albanese, Opposition Leader Dutton, and all Members of Parliament and Senators,
We write to you as parents, grandparents, carers, and concerned Australians. With the federal election approaching, we urge you to put children’s mental health and wellbeing at the heart of your commitments.
While there have been recent mental health funding commitments made by our major parties—children are still missing out on dedicated support, and we are underinvesting in prevention.
Our children can’t wait.
The numbers are devastating:
A 50% increase in youth mental illness from 2007 to 2022
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for 15–44-year-olds
Half of all mental illness begins before the age of 14
Behind these statistics are real children, with hopes, dreams and futures at risk.
We've lived the failures of the current system:
"We waited 8 months for an appointment with a child psychologist. Eight months of watching our daughter struggle, every single day. No parent should have to watch their child suffer while waiting for help that may come too late." — Matthew, Melbourne
“My child is in desperate need of a child psychiatrist and there literally isn’t one in the state of Victoria who will take her on. It’s absurd the lack of help available in this country for our children and their mental health.” — Beth, Ballarat
“As a parent, I hate it. I hate it so much that some days I can’t breathe properly... My child is a kind and loving, thrives on sport and loves the outdoors. He is so much more than his diagnosis. But without proper support what will his life look like in the long term?” — Cindy, Koondrook
We wouldn’t wait for our kids to get cavities before teaching them to brush their teeth. We shouldn’t wait for them to suffer before supporting their mental health.
We are calling on all political parties to:
Invest in Prevention & Lifelong Mental Fitness - Mental fitness is just as vital as physical health. At least 5% of all mental health funding should be dedicated to prevention, ensuring children learn the skills to build resilience and thrive before issues arise. Mental health shouldn’t be reactive—it should be built early, just like brushing your teeth before you get cavities. Schools, families, and communities need structured programs that teach children mental fitness skills early.
Fund & Implement the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy - Children's mental health must be a national priority with full funding and implementation of The National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy to ensure every child gets the support they need.
Ensure Fair & Accessible Mental Health Support - No child should miss out on mental health support, we need equitable access to mental health services, facilitated by a fully funded, innovative and engaging 24/7 national digital mental health service for children and families. Ensuring every child gets the help they need as early as possible through self-guided support, reducing pressure on crisis services and empowering a generation.
Appoint a Federal Minister for Children - Appoint a Federal Minister for Children to advocate for the specific needs of children across policy areas federally. Prioritise prevention, early intervention, and long-term investment to ensure every child gets the support they need to thrive.
This is not partisan. This is about our nation’s future.
We are watching. We are voting. And we are speaking out—because our kids matter.
The time to act is now.
Signed,
Parents, Grandparents, Carers, and Concerned Citizens
Every story shared strengthens our campaign. Politicians need to understand that these aren't isolated incidents - they represent a systemic failure.
For too long, our children’s wellbeing has been ignored. Let’s raise our voices, share our stories, and make it clear: our kids count. Their mental health matters. Their futures matter. And we won’t stay silent any longer.
Every signature on our open letter represents a person who cares about children's mental health and knows things need to change - not just those whose children are struggling but those who want to ensure as many Aussie kids grow up with the chance to thrive. Healthy young people and adults emerge from healthy children.
Parents from across Australia have bravely shared their stories to show politicians the real human impact of inadequate mental health support for children. From metro suburbs to remote communities, these experiences highlight why immediate action is needed. In their words.
In November, 11,483 Australians stood with us to bring this issue to Parliament (READ THE REPORT). Teachers, parents, psychologists—and kids themselves—shared heartbreaking stories of waiting months for care, or being turned away altogether.
Behind every statistic is a child who deserves better mental health support. These numbers tell a story that politicians need to hear. Australian children's mental health and wellbeing is deteriorating at alarming rates.
of mental health conditions begin before age 14.
Source: Kessler, RD et al. 2005
of presentations to paediatricians in Australia are for mental health concerns.
Source: National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, 2021
Almost one in seven 4-17 year-olds were assessed as having mental disorders in the previous 12 months.
Source: Telethon Kids Institute, 2015
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Half of all mental health challenges begin before age 14. That’s why it’s so important to build the skills for mental wellbeing early in life – give kids the support they need to thrive.
Sign the open letter to call for action on children's mental health: smilingmind.com.au/our-kids-count
The following organisations support Smiling Mind's call for urgent action on children's mental health.
Sydney Morning Herald: Children’s mental health is worsening. Where is the minister for primary kids?
Bounty Parents: REAL LIFE: “Every day I worry about my son with ADHD and anxiety. But there is hope.”
The Sector: Smiling Mind calls for children’s minister to be established as mental health declines
