Dr Peggy Brown AO appointed Chair of Mental Health Australia

The board of Mental Health Australia has announced Dr Peggy Brown AO as its new Chair, continuing the organisation’s commitment to improving mental health and driving long-term reform.

As an independent, national peak body, Mental Health Australia represents over 140 diverse members, including service providers; organisations representing people with lived experience and their families, carers and supporters; professional bodies; and researchers. The organisation has long been a driving force for reform, advocating for policies that prioritise wellbeing and reduce disparities in mental health care to ensure all Australians can access the support they deserve.

According to Mental Health Australia, Brown’s diverse experience in the mental health sector makes her well placed to lead the organisation at a time when change is urgently needed. In addition to previous roles such as CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and Director-General of ACT Health, Brown was recently Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, where she amplified the voices of veterans and families impacted by suicide and mental ill health.

As Chair, Brown said she will prioritise tackling several key issues: embedding an equitable, inclusive and human rights-based approach to care and support; overhauling the mental health system’s foundations to build a world-class system; and matching funding to the scale of the problem and community expectations.

“We are at a turning point for mental health in Australia — particularly as we draw closer to the federal election,” she said. “There’s a lot to do, but by working together, and providing opportunities to strengthen the impact and influence of the entire mental health sector, we can create a system that truly gives everyone the chance to thrive.

“I’m honoured to take on this role as Chair and am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to drive meaningful change across the sector, including two new peak bodies, the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia, who will ensure the voice of lived experience is at the heart of our work as we build a mental health system that truly serves every Australian.”

The board has also appointed Mark Orr AM, CEO of Flourish Australia, as its Deputy Chair, with Orr having previously served as Interim Chair. Orr said that Brown’s extensive experience in governance, as well as her strong connectivity across government and with key decision-makers, were important factors when appointing her as Chair.

“Dr Brown’s experience in the mental health sector, experience in leadership and governance, and advocating for reform demonstrates her unwavering commitment to inclusive and equitable services that support people’s mental health recovery,” Orr said.

“As Chair, Dr Brown’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that Mental Health Australia continues to drive essential system reforms that are co-designed with people with lived experience and families, carers and kin.”

Image caption: Dr Peggy Brown AO.