This section presents the key findings related to the impact of the Better Access initiative on service accessibility, focusing on the following evaluation questions:

  • To what extent has the Better Access initiative provided access to mental health services for people with mental health disorders? Across all of Australia? Across all age groups?

  • To what extent has the Better Access initiative provided equitable access to populations in need (in particular people living in rural and remote areas, children and young people, older persons, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds)?

  • To what extent has the Better Access initiative provided access to affordable care?
4.2.1 Summary of improvements in access

4.2.2 Improved access to psychiatrists

4.2.3 Improved access for general practitioners

4.2.4 Improved access to allied health providers

4.2.5 Improved access across Australia

4.2.6 Improved access across age groups

4.2.7 Access by people living in rural and remote areas

4.2.8 Access by people living in poorer communities

4.2.9 Access by children and young people

4.2.10 Access by older persons

4.2.11 Access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

4.2.12 Access by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

4.2.13 Access by individuals with complex care needs

4.2.14 Overview of access from online survey