Australia’s first National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card has found that discrimination linked to mental health conditions remains widespread, with around 70 per cent of people reporting experience of discrimination in at least one area of life.
The report, released by the National Mental Health Commission in partnership with SANE Australia, was launched in Canberra by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride on 1 July 2026.
Commission chief executive David McGrath said the findings point to an ongoing and deeply embedded issue that continues to affect people living with mental health challenges.
“The really confronting finding is that around 70% of people experienced discrimination in at least one area of life. For some people, it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse. That tells us this is still a very real, very widespread issue,” Mr McGrath said.
The report card provides one of the first nationally representative snapshots of how people with mental health conditions are perceived and treated in Australia. The data, described as world-first in scope, was collected through the 2024 to 2025 National Survey of Stigma and Discrimination, conducted by the University of Melbourne.
It tracks experiences across different settings, including workplaces, services and community environments, and is intended to provide a benchmark for future reporting on change over time.
The findings come alongside the Commission’s broader National Report Card framework, which has previously highlighted gaps in how Australia measures and reports on mental health system performance. The 2024 report identified inconsistencies in national data collection and a lack of clear visibility across parts of the system.
The Commission said the new stigma-focused report card forms part of its effort to strengthen the evidence base underpinning mental health policy. It aims to provide a clearer and more consistent picture of outcomes, including how people experience care and support beyond clinical settings.
Mr McGrath said reducing stigma requires sustained effort across multiple sectors, including government, employers, service providers and communities.
“Stigma won’t disappear on its own, it requires sustained, coordinated effort. That means action across governments, workplaces, services and communities. We need inclusive environments and practical initiatives that reduce prejudice. The Commission’s role is to keep tracking progress and holding the system to account, reducing stigma is not optional, it’s essential to improving people’s lives,” he said.
The report is expected to be used as a reference point for policy development and program design, particularly in areas focused on inclusion and equitable access to support.
The full 2026 National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card is available through the National Mental Health Commission website.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
