In last year’s Budget (2024-25), the Government allocated $588.5 million over eight years from 2024-25 and $113.4 million per year ongoing for a new National Early Intervention Service (NEIS) that will provide free digital mental health support. Despite the recent media coverage, there has been no formal media release from the Government on the NEIS to announce further information. As noted in our December 2024 Bulletin, ACA took part in a Department of Health and Aged Care consultation workshop for NEIS. In February 2025, we informed members of ACA’s formal submission to the public consultation survey, which closed in January.

We remain optimistic that counsellors and psychotherapists will be afforded employment opportunities under NEIS, but until this is confirmed in writing, we must continue to advocate for better utilisation of our qualified, available workforce.

ACA has reached out to the Department of Health and Aged Care for clarification and will keep members informed as soon as any updates are available.