Week 3: Campaigns Launch, Mental Health Surfaces, and the Race Heats Up
April 16, 2025
With just over two weeks to go, the election campaign is hitting its stride. Both major parties officially launched their campaigns this week, unleashing a wave of policy announcements, many aimed at winning over younger voters. While reports suggest public engagement may be waning, the flurry of headlines suggests otherwise. Cube’s Founder and MD, Anne-Marie Sparrow unpacks campaign fatigue and headline topics as we approach election day:
While the reports suggest election coverage and discussion may be waning, it certainly hasn’t felt that way! With both major parties launching their campaigns and just over a fortnight to go, the battle is well and truly heating up.
We’ve seen a deluge of announcements from both sides—many aimed squarely at younger voters—as the fight for headlines and votes intensifies. As Trump once again dominated the news cycle late last week, Labor has continued to pull ahead in the polls, while Dutton appears to be working hard to soften his image and highlight a more family-oriented side.
Amid this noise, it’s been encouraging to see mental health finally get some attention. The Liberals have pledged $400 million to address youth mental health, targeting the “missing middle”—those who fall between mild mental illness and severe conditions requiring hospitalisation. Their plan includes expanding early psychosis services, increasing capacity at existing Headspace centres, and reinstating 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year. The Albanese government has committed $1 billion also bolstering mental health services—boosting the number of Medicare Mental Health Centres, expanding Headspace and youth specialist care centres, and increasing training for mental health professionals and peer workers.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the next few weeks unfold! Will health get a bit more of spotlight and how will the politics hold the attention of the Nation wanting to step away and take a break over the Easter/ANZAC long weekends?
