The 2025–26 Queensland Budget includes continued and, in some areas, increased investment in health infrastructure, clinical mental health services, and workforce development. Significant mental health allocations include a $3.1 billion investment across the system, the expansion of acute care capacity, and targeted funding for suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug treatment. The Better Care Together plan receives a further $124.7 million, and the Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) is funded to continue delivering statewide strategies and developing the lived experience workforce, particularly in regional and First Nations communities.

Despite these investments, the Budget does not address several longstanding gaps in Queensland’s mental health system. QAMH welcomes the areas of progress but remains concerned that without action on these missing elements, the system will continue to struggle to respond to the needs of people experiencing distress who do not require hospitalisation but cannot access support. We will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the sector for community mental health to be properly funded, integrated, and recognised as an essential pillar of the broader mental health system. The following section provides a detailed breakdown of relevant budget allocations across mental health, health infrastructure, social supports, and other related areas.

Click here to read the full summary.