News Corp and Medibank launch ‘Can We Talk?’ to address Australia’s mental health crisis

News Corp Australia and Medibank have partnered to launch Can We Talk?, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at helping Australian families navigate mental health conversations in the home.

The initiative follows new findings from News Corp’s independent research think tank, The Growth Distillery, which highlight the extent to which Australian families are struggling to support one another through mental health challenges.

Medibank group executive of policy, advocacy and reputation, Meaghan Telford, said the research underscores the severity of the crisis.

“This research reveals Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and many Australians don’t know who to turn to, especially our younger generations,” Telford said.

“As one of Australia’s largest health companies, we see the human cost of the mental health crisis and want to play a meaningful part in the solution. Teaming up with News Corp Australia’s publications means we can reach audiences at scale and equip them with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life.”

The campaign, which will run across digital, print, video, audio and social platforms, will be championed by news.com.au, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail, The Advertiser, and Body+Soul.

Over four months, Can We Talk? will deliver research-backed insights, expert advice, and practical steps families can take immediately. It will also scrutinise government funding for mental health initiatives in the lead-up to the federal election.

News Corp Australia client partnerships managing director Lou Barrett said the partnership aligns with the company’s mission to build a healthier Australia and advocate for meaningful change.

“Like Medibank, we at News are on a mission to build a healthier Australia and advocate for positive change,” Barrett said.

“Championed by news.com.au and our state mastheads, this multi-channel initiative has been custom-built for Medibank and puts mental health on the news agenda, sparking much-needed conversations across generations and inspiring policy changes as we head into the federal election.”

Can We Talk? runs until July.