Giving locals a voice at the mental health royal commission

Macedon locals will have a chance to share their lived experiences and be a part of a once-in-a-generation reform of our mental health system.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging locals to access the new online portal, share their experiences and tell the Commissioners what matters to them.

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 new Royal Commission portal allows people to share their views through a written submission, an audio submission or a video recording. Submissions can be short, or more formal, longer pieces.

The Mental Health Royal Commission has already held community consultations across the state, and will hold many more over the coming weeks in various locations including Preston, Seymour and Bendigo.

The Government appointed public policy expert Penny Armytage as 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 the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

Submissions will close on 5 July. To access the portal or stay up to date with the Royal Commission’s activities, visit rcvmhs.vic.gov.au.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or requires support, call Lifelife on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley:
"Submissions can be long and detailed, or simply just an account of the personal experiences. Each and every one will help shape the Royal Commission into Mental Health."

"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."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
"Mental health is such an important issue to the people in our community. This portal will make it even easier for people to share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Mental Health."

"This is a great chance for members of our community to help create a new system that provides people with the help and support that they deserve."