Inquiry into mental health welcomed

Mental Health Victoria has welcomed Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement that a re-elected Labor government will launch a Royal Commission into mental health.

The chief executive officer of the peak body for the state’s mental health service providers, Angus Clelland, said last week’s announcement will be viewed as a “watershed moment for mental health, which for too long has been the poor cousin of the health system”.

“The Royal Commission into Family Violence has led to meaningful reform in that area. Mental Health Victoria hopes this will be replicated in the mental health system.

“We expect that a Royal Commission will expose the serious gaps in our ailing mental health system, and the recommendations will bind future governments into funding the system to meet the needs of all Victorians.

“Historically, Victoria has under-invested in mental health. Despite some large recent budget commitments, access to services remains a serious issue for many Victorians living with mental health issues, their families and carers.”

The Andrews Government has promised work on the Royal Commission will start within the first 100 days of re-election, the first of its kind in Australia, including the appointment of Commissioners and the announcement of the Terms of Reference.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch) also welcomed the announcement, with secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick saying too many people fell through the cracks in the system.

“We’re removing the stigma around talking about mental illness and seeking help, this is another positive step to maintain the momentum by making sure that when people go looking for support, they get it.

“We expect the findings may be similar to the Royal Commission into family violence, which found services were disconnected and lacking co-ordination.”

The Opposition has criticised the announcement. Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy claimed Labor’s “unplanned, unmanaged population growth (was) putting enormous pressure on critical services like mental health”.

“Since Daniel Andrews has been Premier, Victoria’s population has increased by around 500,000 people and at the same time he has cut community mental health funding by 17 per cent.”