Update on the Development of the Australian University Mental Health Framework

Abstract

In 2017, Orygen published the report, Under the radar: The mental health of Australian university students. The report recommended the need for national leadership and guidance to address what appeared to be an issue of growing concern for students and the university sector. This included guidance to: a) describe reasonable expectations of universities and the mental health sector in responding to student’s mental health issues; b) promote evidence-based interventions and programs for supporting student mental health within these settings; and c) highlight opportunities for partnership between universities and community mental health services. In September 2018, the Australian Government announced funding would be provided to Orygen to develop an Australian University Mental Health Framework. As the project nears completion, this article provides an overview on the process and progress to date, including the key findings from extensive consultations across the university and mental health sectors and, importantly, with students. The article also presents the key areas of action for the university sector and the mental health sector currently articulated in a draft of the Framework, which will soon be available for wider consultation.