No system to check how $1.2b levy is spent: auditor-general
A recent audit revealed that Queensland's $1.2 billion mental health levy lacks proper management and oversight. The report indicates that the levy has raised significantly more funds than anticipated but has no system in place to ensure effective spending or measure outcomes. This raises concerns about potential waste of taxpayer money on ineffective services.
- ▪The mental health levy was introduced in early 2023 and is funded through payroll taxes.
- ▪Between January 2023 and June 2025, the levy raised $1.2 billion, with projections of an additional half-a-billion dollars in the first five years.
- ▪The Queensland Audit Office found that there are no governance structures to manage the levy effectively.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.