What the Royal Commission said
The Royal Commission called for a mental health and wellbeing system that is safe, responsive and inclusive. One that will meet the needs of Victoria’s diverse population both now and into the future.
The Royal Commission recognised that this would be a whole-of-system effort. Coordination of funding, commissioning, design and delivery of services would be critical. Diversity would need to be reflected in the system's governance, leadership and workforce.
What are the opportunities?
To achieve this vision, we need to understand the unique needs of Victoria’s diverse communities. These include:
- LGBTIQA+ Victorians
- Multicultural and multifaith Victorians
- Victorians with disability.
We recognise that these communities are diverse themselves. This means we need to hear a broad range of perspectives. We also recognise that there are a range of factors that can impact individuals’ experiences. These may include their gender identity, age and visa status. We will need to keep this in mind as we respond to diversity.
We need to continue to work with community leaders, advocates, groups and organisations throughout the reform process. This includes planning, implementing and managing the reformed mental health and wellbeing system.
What are we doing?
We are investing in community-led organisations through Phase Two of our grants program, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of multicultural communities, LGBTIQA+ people and people with disability. This round runs from early 2024 to the end of 2025.
We have developed and released a Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework 2025-2035 and Blueprint. The Framework and Blueprint were developed through extensive consultation with over 500 community members, organisations, and peak agencies. Expert advice and input was also provided by a Diverse Communities Working Group, comprising 14 peak agencies and people with lived and living experience.
The Blueprint for Action is a three-year plan that outlines practical steps to improve system responsiveness, build the capability of organisations, and reduce stigma and discrimination across mental health and wellbeing services.
We have continued to fund Switchboard's Rainbow Door service. Rainbow Door is a specialist helpline that provides LGBTIQA+ people with information, advice and referrals, supporting people of all ages and identities through peer support. Find out more about Rainbow Door .
We have extended funding for the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) project. HEY brings together a network of partner organisations specialising in support and services for LGBTIQA+ young people. See the HEY webpage
We are partnering with community organisations and peak bodies to support their communities to engage with the reforms. This will ensure communities can play an active role in designing and delivering the new mental health and well-being system.
We are improving our data recording and collection system. This will allow us to better record and understand the experiences of diverse communities.
Reviewed 21 October 2025