Policy and Advocacy
Arafmi works to make sure the voices of mental health carers in Queensland are heard and help shape policies, services and programs.
How we advocate
Our policy and advocacy work is shaped by the experiences of mental health carers across Queensland. Through research, consultation and direct engagement with carers, we identify issues, raise awareness and advocate for change.
What carers tell us
Through our conversations and research with Queenslanders supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges, we know that:
- navigating the mental health system and advocating for the person you support can be challenging
- caring can affect emotional, social and physical wellbeing
- caring responsibilities can impact work, study and finances
- caring can feel isolating and it can be difficult to take a break.
Families, kin and other unpaid carers tell us they need:
- personal and practical support
- financial assistance
- information, education and training
- improvements to the mental health system
- greater recognition by services and the wider community
- support to balance work and caring responsibilities.
This guides our policy and advocacy priorities.
What we’re working on
In 2026, our policy and advocacy work focuses on:
- contributing to reforms including the NDIS and psychosocial supports, the National Agreement for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, youth mental health service models, and the review of the Queensland Carer (Recognition) Act
- research into the experiences and needs of carers in rural, regional and remote Queensland
- research into the experiences of children and young people supporting someone with mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges
- helping health professionals better understand and work with families, kin and carers
- raising awareness of the experiences and needs of mental health carers among decision-makers, service providers and the broader community
- developing practical resources to support people in their caring role.
What we’ve written
Stay informed about Arafmi’s advocacy work through our policy submissions, consultation responses and research reports.
- Submission to the Review of Queensland Carers (Recognition) Act 2008 – June 2026
- What happens when I can no longer care? Initial findings of the Future Planning Project – 2026
- 2026–27 Queensland State Budget Submission
- At What Cost? The Experiences of Unpaid Mental Health Carers in Queensland
- National Carer Strategy Consultation Submission
Get involved
The experiences of mental health carers shape our policy and advocacy work. We regularly seek input from carers and families to help us understand what’s working, where there are gaps and challenges and what needs to change.
You can contribute through our Community of Practice, consultations, surveys, working groups and other advocacy activities.
Young Carer Consultation
Are you aged 18–25 with lived experience of caring for someone experiencing mental health challenges and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, or are you a professional working alongside young carers? We’d love you to be involved in our consultation.
Share your insights
We use feedback from families and carers to identify challenges and gaps in mental health support, and advocate for improvements to services, systems, policies and legislation.
If you’re facing challenges in your caring role, we’d like to hear about it.
For example – What support is missing, or how are NDIS changes affecting you as a family member or carer?
Stay informed
Subscribe to our newsletter for advocacy updates, consultation opportunities and ways to have your say.