The Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, advised on 1 February, 2012 that the additional six sessions of Better Access treatment under exceptional circumstances will be reinstated for a transitional period from 1 March 2012 to 31 December 2012.  The standard number of rebatable sessions under Better Access will remain at 10 (6+4 sessions), but eligible clients can receive up to 16 sessions during the transitional period where exceptional circumstances’ apply. 

Persistent lobbying by Chris Thornton (pictured left) on behalf of ANZAED and also by The Butterfly Foundation have highlighted that the unintended consequences of previous reduction in sessions from 18 to 10 included the loss of services for people with serious mental illnesses such as eating disorders.  ANZAED will continue to press for the reinstatement of sessions announced for the transitionary period to be made permanent. 


1 Feb 2012 Statement from the Minister about increase in sessions 

2011 ANZAED Senate submission by Chris Thornton & Hansard report

Follow-up letter to Minister Butler 21 Dec 2012