The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has begun – the first of its kind in Australia. This is a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate improvements in access to mental health services, service navigation and models of care.
The Royal Commission also provides an opportunity for a wider community conversation about mental health – toward ending stigma and discrimination.
Chairperson Penny Armytage is leading the Royal Commission and is supported by commissioners Professor Bernadette McSherry, Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr Alex Cockram.
They have set out initial details about how they propose to conduct their inquiry, starting with hearing about people's experiences with mental illness through community consultations across Victorian in April and May.
The Royal Commission's Terms of Reference were finalised with the community's input, and they provide direction for the inquiry and set out expectations regarding the Commission's program of work. The Commission will work to deliver recommendations that improve outcomes for Victorians who experience mental illness.
The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report by November 2019 and a final report by October 2020. The Victorian Government has already committed to implementing all recommendations.
You can stay engaged via the Royal Commission's website.
