Link to the report:RCVMHS- Interim_Report

For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re going to get serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.

Building a quality mental health system from the ground-up won’t be easy and it won’t be quick. But when the cost of not acting is measured in lives, we can’t afford to fail”.

Today in Parliament the Royal Commission into Mental Health handed down its interim report.

The report shines a powerful light on the failings of a system that has let down Victorians and their families for far too long.

We have accepted each and every one of the recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission.

The Commission has found too many Victorians needing help can’t find suitable support, while those who do access ‘the system’ find it hard to negotiate their way through it. People living with mental illness are waiting longer and getting sicker before they can access services. Poor mental health costs Victoria $14.2 billion annually.

The interim report identifies the key areas that can be addressed immediately, including:

• 170 new youth and adult acute mental health beds to help additional critical demand pressure
• New suicide prevention initiatives including a major expansion of the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement program and developing a new model for children and young people
• A world-class Collaborative Centre focused on cutting-edge research and education
• An international recruitment to boost Victoria’s mental health workforce, adding more nurses, allied health professionals and extra graduate placements.

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System also recommends a revenue mechanism to support the major mental health reform and we will carefully consider how to acquit that recommendation.

Every Victorian has felt the impact of mental health. Many Victorians don’t know where to turn – and it’s costing lives. The Royal Commission is about building a coordinated, quality mental health system from the ground up – a system that will support Victorians and their families when they need it most.

The Commission will hold further public hearings in 2020 before delivering its final report in October.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on
13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.

Josh

Link to the report: RCVMHS- Interim_Report