The ACT Government has released a new five-year plan aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention outcomes across the territory.

Developed in partnership with Capital Health Network, the 2025–2030 ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Regional Plan: The Framework sets out a shared direction for a more connected, inclusive and responsive mental health system for Canberrans.

The plan recognises that mental health outcomes are shaped by a range of social factors, including housing, employment, social connection and cultural safety. It focuses on prevention, early intervention and person-centred care, to ensure people can access the right support when and where they need it.

Mental health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the framework reflects a whole-of-community approach and has been informed by lived experience.

“Good mental health and effective suicide prevention are essential to individual wellbeing and the strength of our community,” she said.

“This framework provides a roadmap for change, developed through collaboration across government, health services and the community.”

Ms Stephen-Smith said the framework complements the ACT Government’s broader investment in mental health, including the recently released Strategic Investment Plan for community mental health services.

She said the plan would also inform the development of the ACT Government’s Mental Health Services Plan, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026.

Capital Health Network chief executive Stacy Leavens said the framework marked a renewed commitment to joint regional planning between CHN and the ACT Government.

“This framework marks the renewal of our shared commitment to strengthening joint regional planning and coordinating and integrating mental health care in the ACT,” Ms Leavens said.

She described the document as a starting point for future collaboration and reform across primary care, mental health and suicide prevention services.