David McGrath is new National Mental Health Commission CEO
Commencing 29 January 2025, David McGrath is the new CEO of the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC). McGrath brings experience as a senior executive in NSW Health and a former Chair of the National Mental Health Standing Committee to the role. His career in the mental health sector includes more than a decade as an adviser to the World Health Organization, bringing international insight and significant technical expertise in mental health legislation, program and policy to NMHC’s work.
With the Australian Government announcing important reforms to NMHC in the 2024–25 Budget — in response to an independent investigation in 2023 — McGrath now takes carriage of this work, to strengthen NMHC’s capacity to provide expert advice to the government and cross-sectoral leadership on the services and systems that support mental health in Australia.
“I welcome the appointment of David McGrath as he takes up the role of CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, his depth of expertise locally and globally will be a significant asset at a critical time for the Commission,” the Australian Government’s Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said.
“The Commission works to monitor, evaluate and improve Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention system.
“David will lead this work to prepare evidence and advice on ways to continuously improve our mental health and suicide prevention system,” Butler added.
On his new role, McGrath said: “Mental ill health touches every Australian. It’s a national issue that demands action from every level of government.
“The National Mental Health Commission must lead the way in tackling the complexities of mental health care.
“I am excited to lead the Commission in improving the lives of Australians dealing with mental illness.”
Paul McCormack had been acting NMHC CEO over the last 17 months and was thanked by the government for his leadership.
More information on the 2023 investigation into the NMHC (and National Suicide Prevention Office) and reform process announced in the 2024–25 Budget is available in this Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care discussion paper.
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