- Minister for Mental Health
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System will hold a series of community consultations across the state beginning next month, encouraging people with mental illness and their carers to have their voices heard.
Victorians wanting to have their say or find out more about upcoming consultations will be able to access a new website launched by the Commission today. The Royal Commission's first community consultation will be in Whittlesea on 5 April, and consultations will continue through May.
Other consultations will be held in Pakenham (9 April) and Hamilton (11-12 April).
Too often, our mental health system fails people. The Royal Commission will help us understand the shortcomings in the current system, and provide practical recommendations so Victorians can get the services they need.
The Labor Government held more than 20 roundtables across the state to hear from the experts, including Victorians who have lived experience of mental health. More than 8,000 Victorians made a submission online to help shape the Terms of Reference.
The Government recently appointed respected public policy expert Penny Armytage as the Chair of the Royal Commission. Ms Armytage is joined by Associate Professor Alex Cockram, Professor Allan Fels AO and Professor Bernadette McSherry.
The Labor Government will accept each and every one of the Commission's recommendations.
To learn more about upcoming consultations or about how to be part of the Royal Commission, visit the new website at http://rchmhs.vic.gov.au
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
As noted by Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
"One in five Victorians will experience mental illness this year, and too many of those will lose their lives to suicide. We need a new approach to mental health, and a Royal Commission will help deliver a new system."
"We need to hear from all the experts in the system, especially people with mental health issues and their carers."
"I encourage all Victorians to go online and learn more about how they can have their voice heard as part of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System."
