Beyond Blue welcomes the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and commends the Victorian government for listening to diverse voices as it remakes a new system.
Beyond Blue Chair The Hon Julia Gillard AC said this was a significant report that paved the way for profound change for all Victorians.
“This is a watershed moment in mental health system reform in this country. The Victorian Royal Commission has acknowledged the serious failings of the existing system and listened to many voices and perspectives to create a vision for a better way forward,” Ms Gillard said.
“The clear message from the Commissioners to people who live with mental health issues is that it’s the system that’s broken, not them.
“We congratulate the Victorian government for committing to implement each of the Commission’s recommendations and believe this report provides a blueprint for genuine transformational change.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the report acknowledged the need to support people’s mental health and wellbeing not only in health settings, but also where they live, work, learn and play.
“By drawing on the deep, rich and informed insights of people who live with mental health issues – people who have tried to navigate the broken system – the Commissioners have produced a clear vision with pragmatic solutions that put the community at the heart of a remade system,” Ms Harman said.
“And they have recognised that by providing support early – in life and in illness – we can support people to achieve their best possible mental health throughout their whole lives.
“Mental health affects all of us in some way. We may be managing our own mental health issues, we may be supporting someone who’s struggling or we may know someone who’s been affected by suicide. The simple fact is that mental health system reform isn’t only a health issue, it’s a significant social issue and the Commissioners understand this too.
“Any change of this magnitude and importance will require a significant investment over the long term and Beyond Blue fully supports such an investment.”
Beyond Blue looks forward to collaborating with the Victorian government, people with lived experience, their families and loved ones, and colleagues in the sector to support the implementation of these critical reforms.
