Anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide are rising among young Australians. Services are stretched, and too many young people only get help once they’re in crisis.
Our system is built to respond after young people become unwell. Less than 1% of the federal mental health budget goes to prevention. And yet, we know what protects children. Things like safe homes, strong relationships, and schools and communities where children feel they belong all make a difference. But support for these is patchy and depends on where you live.
5% for Prevention calls on the federal government to invest at least 5% of the mental health budget in evidence-based prevention, by growing the budget, not cutting services.
We’ve done this before. Prevention helped cut cancer deaths by 27% and cardiovascular disease by 47%. Mental health deserves the same.
The May 2027 federal budget is our next chance to get this done. We need your voice to make it happen.
SIGN THE PETITION NOW
5% for Prevention began with the question at the heart of the new documentary Raising Superheroes. Can we stop mental illness before it starts?
Filmmaker Shannon Harvey travelled the world to find out, and many of the faces of this campaign appear in the film.
November 12th - 18th
START HERE
Add your name to the call for 5% for Prevention. Every signature goes to decision-makers ahead of the May 2027 budget.
Help fund the campaign, from community screenings to advocacy in Canberra. Donations are made through registered charity, Prevention United and are tax deductable.
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Politicians pay attention to what their communities are talking about. Help make prevention impossible to ignore.
Everything you need in one place.
Snap a photo with your family, friends, colleagues or school community.
Share it on your socials, tag your local MP and use #5forPrevention and #PreventionIsPossible.
Prevention means stopping mental illness before it starts, instead of waiting until someone is unwell. It’s the same thinking behind sunscreen and seatbelts. Treatment will always matter but prevention means fewer people end up needing it.
Every child faces some risks, such as family stress, bullying or isolation. Every child also has things that protect them, like a trusted adult, a safe home, a place where they belong, and a family with secure housing and enough to live on. Mental health depends on the balance between the two. Prevention adds weight to the protective side.
Want the full evidence? The advocacy guide has the research, the numbers, all the FAQs and how to make the case to your MP.
of mental illness begins before the age of 14
begins before age 24
young Australians report high or very high psychological distress
Less than 1% of the federal mental health budget goes to prevention
of Australians say prevention should be a top-three government priority
Get behind-the-scenes stories from Raising Superheroes director Shannon Harvey as well as screening news and the latest on the 5% for Prevention campaign, straight to your inbox.
