Mp calls on community to have say on mental health royal commission

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, is inviting her local community to provide input into the first ever Royal Commission into Mental Health, with public feedback now sought to help inform the scope of the wide-ranging inquiry.

Ms. Thomas said it was important to hear what every day Victorians had to say about what topics should be covered by the Royal Commission, to ensure future changes to the mental health system directly reflect what they want and need.

All Victorians are invited to submit their thoughts on the themes of the Royal Commission via an online portal, with feedback to be collated and used to inform the official Terms of Reference.

Topics expected to be covered include prevention and early intervention, accessibility and navigation of the system, integration with alcohol and other drug services, and community, acute and forensic mental health.

Consultation with key stakeholders on the Terms of Reference has already started, with a series of targeted stakeholder roundtables taking place up until 27 January.

The final Terms of Reference and Commissioners will be announced within the first 100 days of this term, before the Royal Commission commences in March 2019.

While this initial consultation will be limited to the themes to be covered by the Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference, Victorians will be also able to tell their stories and offer suggestions for change as part of the Royal Commission hearings and submission process once it is up and running.

The Royal Commission is the first of its kind in Australia and is tasked with providing a comprehensive set of recommendations on how to best reform the current mental health system and support Victorians with mental illness, including those at risk of suicide.

Consultation will run until 27 January. To have your say on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Mental Health visit engage.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.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Every year one in five Victorians experiences a mental illness, while the truth is our mental health system could be a lot better than it is."

"That’s why the Andrews Government is establishing Australia’s first-ever Royal Commission into Mental Health."

"We need to know what works, what doesn’t, and where we need to improve in order to support Victorians with mental illness, including those at risk of suicide."

"I encourage the Macedon community to have their say to help shape the future of mental health services in Victoria."