Ms Allan’s appointment marks the first time in more than three years the state will have a full-time Mental Health Commissioner since the former Liberal Government abolished the role in 2019.
Originally from South Australia, Ms Allan, is currently the Director of Ember Innovations, appointed to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission in New Zealand, Mental Health Advisor to the Royal Commission on Abuse in State Care and was Deputy Chair of the Suicide Mortality Review Committee.
As Mental Health Commissioner, Ms Allan will help the whole of government support the mental health and wellbeing of all South Australians.
The Commission works in partnership with people with lived experience of mental illness, their families and carers, as well as mental health providers, the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention Nadia Clancy, charities and national mental health bodies to help improve mental health pathways.
Re-establishing a full-time commissioner was a key recommendation made by the former part-time lead Mental Health Commissioner John Mannion, who departed the role last December.
The role was previously split between Mr Mannion, Heather Nowak and David Kelly who were all appointed on a part-time basis.
Ms Allan will relocate from New Zealand to commence the role in late October.
Her arrival complements the South Australian Government’s record $294 million investment into mental health. Improvements include 100 new mental health beds, increasing capacity at Modbury, Noarlunga, Queen Elizabeth, Mount Gambier, Mount Barker and the new Women’s and Children’s hospitals. The Government is also funding the in-home treatment of mental health patients to the equivalent of 20 more beds.
As put by Chris Picton
The Malinauskas Labor Government is investing in rebuilding the mental health system, including restoring a full-time Mental Health Commissioner for the first time in more than three years.
Taimi is an incredible South Australian, renowned globally for her work in mental health. I have every confidence she will embrace the role of the Mental Health Commissioner and help us deliver the needed improvements to the broader mental health system across our state.
As put by Mental Health Commissioner Taimi Allan
I used the Mental Health system in South Australia through my teens and twenties and I know personally how difficult navigating the system can be.
My own recovery has led to me working in mental health for the past 20 years and I am delighted I can now bring everything I have learned back home.
I want to bring hope to South Australians. Recovery is not just possible, but probable and it’s my job to help others bring networks together so South Australia can learn from what is working right across the globe.
As put by Executive Director, Mental Health and Wellbeing Nicole Keller
Taimi’s appointment is a real win for all South Australians. She’s a passionate advocate and has inspired so much positive change through her extensive work.
We expect the new Commissioner will have a strong focus on working in partnership with people with lived experience, their families and carers.
