Government pledges to fix 'broken' mental health system, as hearings begin
All recommendations from Victoria’s biggest inquiry into the "failed" mental health system will be implemented despite the massive looming cost, the state government has promised.
Public hearings for the Mental Health Royal Commission begin in Melbourne today with former North Melbourne champion Wayne Schwass and ex-federal minister Andrew Robb among the first witnesses to appear.
Both men have spoken publicly about their battles with depression in recent years.
The Andrews government has already committed to implementing all the commission’s recommendations after it delivers its final report in October next year.
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the "broken system" was costing the Victorian government $2 billion a year but delivering "worse results" despite increased funding.
"Whatever the recommendations that come out of this royal commission are, the government guaranteed it will implement those recommendations," he said.
"We know that will be costly but this government has a proven track record in the space of social policy reform of funding pathways to building better systems."
Former Department of Justice secretary Penny Armytage has been appointed to chair the royal commission, which was a major election promise from the Andrews government.
The commission had already received 4500 submissions by January this year.
Mr Foley described Victoria’s system as a loose collection of services "that don’t put people at its heart".
"We know our mental health system is broken. We know that one in two of us over the course of our lives will seek assistance for a mental illness of some description."
He told reporters kicking off the public hearings with evidence from Mr Schwass and Mr Robb would help overcome the stigma attached to mental illness.
"They could be anyone in Victoria. They just happen to be prominent Victorians with a successful track record that show stigma and discrimination in mental illness holds many of us back but can be overcome."
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondbluebeyondblue.org.au; Suicide Line 1300 651 251; Mens Line 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.