OVERWORKED,
UNDERPAID,
BURNING OUT.
Mental Health workers are holding on for dear life.
THE REALITY FACING MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS
Mental health workers deal with unique and traumatic challenges every day — yet they continue to show up, committed to caring for the most vulnerable people in our community.
772
Victorians died by suicide in 2024 - that's almost 3x the road death toll.
92%
of Allied Health workers are considering leaving the mental health workforce.
1 in 10
Mental Health workers in Victoria experience workplace violence every single day.
These are just some of the reasons why we're calling for fairer wages, guaranteed staffing levels, and the recognition that Mental Health Workers deserve.
We Stand United.
Every single Victorian deserves quality care.
That's why we're fighting for an enterprise agreement that delivers real change.
Late in 2024, HACSU began bargaining for a new agreement to cover public mental health workers in Victoria.
We looked at the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Mental Health and asked the government for a few crucial items to help fix Victoria's mental health system:
-
Guaranteed staffing levels with an appropriate mix of disciplines and expertise
-
Improvements to pay, condition, and career progression for Lived Experience Workers
-
Fair pay increases for all mental health workers – bringing them up to the level of their general health colleagues
But time and again, the Government refuses to recognise these as necessary components for a better mental health system, putting forward offers which disrespect our workers, and the everyday Victorians that we care for.
Mental Health workers deserve respect and a fair agreement that adequately addresses the crisis facing our sector.
We're asking the Victorian Government to stand up and deliver on the promise of the Royal Commission.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Every Victorian will need access to quality
care at some point in their lives.
Right now, mental health workers need you to back them in.
We’re calling on everyone: workers, consumers, carers, families, and community members, to stand united in demanding fair pay and safe conditions for the Mental Health Workforce.
Support us by clicking the link below.