HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 127

A 16-year-old student, Maya, is struggling with anxiety but cannot access affordable mental health services through the public system due to long waiting lists. Meanwhile, her school has recently implemented a new wellbeing curriculum mandated by the state government.

Describe the differences between how government and non-government organisations would advocate for Maya's health needs in this situation. (5 marks)

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Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.

Show Worked Solution

Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.