By Sarah Richards

Topic: Mental Health

Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 6:17am

Community groups get money from the government based on a special rate.

In short:

Queensland mental health groups say they did not get enough money after the state budget.

The rate that decides how much money groups get did not go up as much as workers' minimum wages.

What's next?

A mental health group is asking the state government to review the rate.

Mental health groups in Queensland fear they may have to cut services and make people wait longer.

Eating Disorders Queensland helps people with eating disorders for free.

The group's leader, Belinda Chelius, said they had 60% more people asking for help since 2022.

Their treatment center has about 160 people waiting for counseling at any time.

Belinda Chelius said the budget left a big gap in funding.

Community groups get money from the government based on a special rate.

The rate for 2026-27 is 3.31%.

The state government announced its budget on June 24.

The new rate does not match the 4.75% increase in minimum wages.

We support our staff getting a good salary, and they work very hard.

The government should help us pay our staff so we can keep our services.

Mental health issues do not take a break.

Queensland Alliance for Mental Health's leader, Tanya O'Shea, said groups cannot keep absorbing costs.

The alliance has more than 140 member groups.

Tanya O'Shea said groups may reduce their hours and services.

A group in Cairns wanted to open on weekends but cannot due to funding.

Mental health issues do not take weekends or holidays off.

If groups reduce services, more people will go to emergency rooms in crisis.

We do not want that to happen.

We want to support hospitals and communities.

The state government can increase funding to help with inflation and wage growth.

The alliance asked the Treasurer to review the rate.

The alliance wants the government to cover the true cost of services.

The way the rate is calculated has not changed in 20 years.

A spokesperson said the rate did not change for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The rate included extra money for superannuation increases from 2020 to 2025.

Access to care is a human right.

250,000 Queenslanders have eating disorders.

Recovery happens in the community, not in hospitals.

The services also help families and loved ones.

Many people need eating disorder services but cannot get them.

We do not have the capacity to help.

If you need help with an eating disorder, call for support.

Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 6:17am

Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 8:28am

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