News
Find out the latest news about SuperFriend, mental wellbeing issues and more.
Media Release: Leading Australians to spearhead national mental health reform
12 December 2011MEDIA RELEASE
LEADING AUSTRALIANS TO SPEARHEAD NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH REFORM
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today announced the appointment of the Mental Health Commissioners to Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission (the Commission).
"The appointment of the eight Commissioners, alongside the Chair, Professor Allan Fels AO and CEO, Ms Robyn Kruk AM, represents the next major milestone in national mental health reform," Mr Butler said.
"The eight Commissioners bring together a wide range of skills and experience, including from consumer and carer groups, community and social services, mental health and suicide prevention, Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing and academia."
The eight Commissioners are:
- Mr Peter Bicknell;
- Ms Jackie Crowe;
- Dr Pat Dudgeon;
- Professor Ian Hickie AM;
- Mr Rob Knowles AO;
- Ms Janet Meagher AM;
- Ms Samantha Mostyn; and
- Professor Ian Webster AO.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, Ms Robyn Kruk AM will also be an ex-officio Commissioner.
"Consumers, carers and mental health advocates have argued strongly for systemic reform that would instil greater accountability and transparency into the system. Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission is aimed at doing just that," Mr Butler said.
"The Commissioners will provide expert and independent advice to the Government on the performance of our mental health system and will monitor whether services are delivering lasting outcomes for people living with a mental illness, their carers and their families.
"One of the Commission’s first priorities will be to deliver the first annual National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, delivering on a key election commitment of the Gillard Government.
"This will allow consumers and their families to tell if services are genuinely effective and meeting their needs."
"I welcome the appointment of these eight Commissioners and look forward to working with them to give mental health more prominence at the national level," Mr Fels said.
"We will work hand-in-hand with mental health consumers and carers, the mental health sector, State and Territory Governments, State Commissions and a wide range of stakeholders to change the attitudes of Australians toward mental health and to improve services and support for people experiencing mental illness."
Other functions of the Commission include:
- to develop, collate and analyse data and reports with a particular focus on ensuring a cross sectoral perspective is taken to mental health reform;
- to provide mental health policy advice to Government in consultation with relevant agencies;
- engage consumers and carers in mental health policy and service improvements; and
- build relationships with other stakeholders including: service providers; government agencies; non-government organisations, community mental health organisations, researchers; academics; and state and territory governments to inform the work of the Commission.
A charter outlining the full responsibilities and work of the Commission will be developed for released early in 2012.
The National Mental Health Commission is a key component of the Government’s $2.2 billion mental health budget package.
The Government has provided $32 million over five years for the establishment and operation of the Commission.
The Commission will commence formal activities from 1 January 2012.
Media contact: Virginia Kim, 0407 415 484
To download the full media release, including biographies for Commissioners, click here.
Follow us