Consultation launched for Tasmania’s next mental health strategy

The Tasmanian Government has launched public consultations for the next overarching Tasmanian mental health strategy, Rethink and Beyond, an important step in strengthening the State’s mental health system.

As part of the 2025-26 interim Budget, the Tasmanian Government is continuing to invest in health and mental health services across Tasmania, with more than $915 million committed to meet rising demand.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said Rethink and Beyond will build on the progress under Rethink 2020: A state plan for mental health in Tasmania, which has delivered major system improvements.

“Through Rethink 2020, we have been working closely with the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, Primary Health Tasmania, community sector partners, and, importantly, people with lived experience to deliver key initiatives that have strengthened our mental health system,” Minister Archer said.

“These include opening the Peacock Centre in North Hobart, launching the Mental Health Emergency Response Service, and piloting the Youth Mental Health Hospital in the Home service in the North West, which has recently expanded to 12 beds.

“While these are significant achievements, we’re committed to doing even more. That’s why our interim Budget includes record investment of almost $10 million every single day into our health system."

To mark the conclusion of Rethink 2020, the Government has released a report celebrating a decade of reform and transformation across Tasmania’s mental health system.

“Rethink 2020 has driven real change – strengthening system integration, expanding community-based support, and ensuring people with lived experience are central to reform,” Minister Archer said.

“The next Strategy will align with key state and national priorities and be informed by an independent evaluation of Rethink 2020 and extensive input from the community and sector stakeholders.

“Last month’s Rethink and Beyond Stakeholder Roundtable brought together people with lived experience, peak bodies and sector leaders to explore future reform priorities, including lived experience leadership, system integration, prevention, regional equity, workforce development and tackling stigma.

“Over the coming months, we’ll continue engaging with Tasmanians to ensure the new Strategy reflects local needs and voices,” Minister Archer said.

“Together, we can continue building a strong, responsive mental health system for all Tasmanians.”