headspace CEO, Chris Tanti, has thanked the former Mental Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler, and welcomed this morning's appointment of Senator Jacinta Collins to the role.

Mr Tanti said Mr Butler's strong commitment to youth mental health has been instrumental in the expansion of headspace.

"Mr Butler has been a true champion for youth mental health and I'd like to thank him for his dedication to improving the wellbeing of young people across the country."

"He has grown headspace centres from 30 to 55 and announced a further 30 locations in areas where our services are needed most."

"He played a significant role in the launch of eheadspace, our online and telephone counselling service, as well as headspace School Support, a program to help secondary schools deal with suicide."

"Most recently, Mr Butler announced that early psychosis intervention services will be delivered through the expansion of headspace," said Mr Tanti.

Mr Tanti said Mr Butler has driven systematic changes across the mental health sector to make sure no young person falls through the gaps.

"This expansion of headspace that Butler has championed will ensure that young people and their families will get the support they need, regardless of what they're struggling with," said Mr Tanti.

"Finally, I'd like to wish Mr Butler all the best in his new role as Minister for Climate Change and Environment," said Mr Tanti.

Mr Tanti also welcomed the new Minister for Mental Health, Jacinta Collins.

"headspace is looking forward to working with Ms Collins to continue the roll out of headspace services around the country."

"We have no doubt that Ms Collins will be able to pick up where Mr Butler left off and become another champion for young people struggling with mental health problems in Australia," said Mr Tanti.

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing support to 12-25 year olds through a national network of headspace centres and an online and telephone counselling service.

headspace media contact:

Carly Wright

0413 025 385

cwright@headspace.org.au