Matt Berriman Resigns from his position as Chair of Mental Health Australia

In recent news, the resignation of the Chair of Mental Health Australia, Matt Berriman, has brought to light glaring issues within Australia's mental health system.

What's more alarming is the revelation that the Prime Minister of the country has never held a meeting with him throughout his three-year tenure.

This raises serious questions about the government's commitment to addressing the mental health epidemic plaguing our nation.

Berriman's departure comes with a candid admission: despite the influx of funds into mental health initiatives, he felt stifled in his role.

He expressed frustration at not being able to voice what needed to be said.

Moreover, stating that Labour has not adequately supported mental health efforts.

But let's take a broader look at the Mental Health situation here in Australia….

We have veterans who have sacrificed for our country, yet struggle to access the help they desperately need.

We have individuals reaching out to helplines in crisis, only to find themselves turned away or left waiting for assistance that never comes.

Meanwhile, significant sums of money are poured into large organisations, yet the public continues to hear the same refrain: "We need to do better" and "More funding is going into research."

The disconnect between the allocation of resources and the tangible support received by those in need is staggering.

Why is it that the public feels compelled to pour donations into organisations already receiving substantial funding, while individuals struggling with mental health challenges are left without access to essential services?

It's time to demand accountability and transparency from our leaders.

It's time to ensure that every dollar allocated to mental health is spent effectively and reaches those who need it most.

It's time to prioritise action over rhetoric and prioritise the well-being of our citizens above all else.

'Yet once again, here we stand' by Glenn Marsden

Yet once again, here we stand,

With mental health’s plight close at hand.

Questions posed to those in power,

Yet answers echo, hour by hour.

Matt Berriman resigns, his voice suppressed,

Unable to speak, he’s put to the test.

Chair of mental health, silenced by the fray,

Does his departure signal the system’s clear decay?

“We can do better,” they proclaim,

But where’s the change, where’s the aim?

Funding flows, yet somehow diverts,

To organizations still seeking spurts.

When is enough, enough, we plea,

As we witness mental health’s agony.

Despairing systems, lives at cost,

How many more before we exhaust?

Who will stand to speak aloud for change,

To break the cycle, to rearrange?

Or will we see another soul lost,

Tragedy striking, at such a cost?

Those in power, before the camera’s glare,

Promises galore, yet no action there.

“Let’s research some more,” their refrain,

While lives hang in the balance, in pain.

So much money poured into this space,

Yet only a few sessions, a mere trace,

Of help given before costs ensnare,

Leaving many adrift, in despair.

When funds are raised to lend a hand,

Why does reciprocity seem to disband?

Tragedies unfold, the “right” words said,

Yet why does the public bear this tread?

It’s time for change, for voices to unite,

To demand action, to stand and fight.

For mental health, for those in need,

Together, we can sow the seed.

- Written by @_glennmarsden