Seven years ago, psychedelic-assisted therapies were not part of Australia’s mental health system. The first early-stage clinical trial in Australia had not yet started recruitment and MDMA and psilocybin remained prohibited substances. Today, Australia is leading the world in the clinical rollout of these therapies.
Since 2019, Mind Medicine Australia has worked with clinicians, researchers, regulators, policymakers and lived-experience advocates to help build a sustainable ecosystem for psychedelic-assisted therapies grounded in science, safety and ethics. What was once a marginal and highly stigmatised field has now moved from isolated clinical trials into regulated clinical practice for people living with treatment-resistant depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Australia’s historic rescheduling of MDMA and psilocybin, which was sponsored by Mind Medicine Australia, combined with clinician training, research investment and the establishment of specialist clinics, represents a world-first regulatory and clinical milestone. Mind Medicine Australia’s ongoing focus is on expanding access, reducing costs and ensuring these therapies are delivered safely, equitably and at scale.
What follows is a snapshot of the milestones we’ve reached so far — and the foundation we are continuing to build for the future of mental health care in Australia.
As we reflect on these milestones, we are deeply grateful to our Board, Advisory Panel, Ambassadors, clinical and research partners, donors, volunteers, team, alumni, supporters and the many people with lived experience who continue to guide and strengthen this work. This progress would not have been possible without your courage, generosity, compassion and commitment.
While we are proud of what has been achieved, this is only the beginning. Too many Australians are still suffering without access to effective care. Our focus now is on expanding access, reducing costs, strengthening clinical infrastructure and ensuring these therapies are delivered safely, ethically and equitably across the country.
Together, we have shown what is possible when science, compassion and determination come together. With your continued support, we can build a future where psychedelic-assisted therapies are accessible to all Australians who need them, and where mental health care is grounded in hope, dignity and healing.
If you would like to support this work, please donate to our Patient Support Fund, helping us make these life-changing treatments accessible to more Australians who need them.
LL.B (Hons), GradDipMus
Tania de Jong AM is the co-Founder and Executive Director of Mind Medicine Australia. Tania has garnered an international reputation as an award-winning social entrepreneur, acclaimed soprano, inspirational speaker and storyteller, creative alchemist, philanthropist and spiritual journey woman. She is a passionate leader for social change. Her mission is to change the world, one voice at a time!
She regularly presents on creativity, innovation, leadership, purpose, psychedelic-assisted therapies, mental health and wellbeing at major conferences and events around the world across the business, government, creative arts and community sectors. Tania is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators developing 6 businesses and 4 charities including Creative Universe, Creativity Australia and the With One Voice programs, Umbrella Foundation, Creative Innovation Global, Pot-Pourri and The Song Room.
Tania was named in the 100 Women of Influence, the 100 Australian Most Influential Entrepreneurs and named as one of the 100 most influential people in psychedelics globally. Her TED Talk has sparked global interest.
B.Com, LL.B
As an investment banker Peter Hunt AM advised local and multi-national companies and governments in Australia for nearly 35 years. He co-founded one of Australia’s leading investment banking advisory firms, Caliburn Partnership and was Executive Chairman of Greenhill Australia. Peter was a member of the Advisory Panel of ASIC and chaired the Vincent Fairfax Family Office.
Peter is an active philanthropist involved in funding, developing and scaling social sector organisations which seek to create a better and fairer world. He is Chairman of Mind Medicine Australia which he established with his wife, Tania de Jong, in 2018. He regularly presents to Governments, regulators, clinicians, philanthropists and the general public on psychedelic-assisted therapies and the legal and ethical frameworks needed to ensure these treatments can be made accessible and affordable. He was the lead author of Mind Medicine Australia’s successful rescheduling applications for MDMA and psilocybin, which made Australia the first country in the world to reschedule these medicines.
He founded Women’s Community Shelters in 2011. Peter is a Director of The Umbrella Foundation. Peter also acts as a pro bono adviser to Creativity Australia. He was formerly Chairman of So They Can, Grameen Australia and Grameen Australia Philippines.
Peter was made a member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2010 for services to the philanthropic sector.
