Bold mental health report sets roadmap for real change

MEDIA RELEASE

The release of the Mental Health Royal Commission’s final report is detailed, ambitious and significant.

It puts people who have lived with mental illness at the centre of service design and delivery.

The report makes 65 recommendations covering system design, service delivery, governance and workforce challenges, including:

• Reorienting the mental health system to care in the community, keeping people out of hospital
• Strengthening early intervention services for children and young people
• Building healthy workplaces and schools
• Establishing Aboriginal healing centres.

VCOSS CEO Emma King praised the report for its scope, depth and bold-thinking.

“This isn’t tinkering. This is wholesale reform.” she said.

“This report is a roadmap for a real, positive change.”

“The goal is for every Victorian get help when they need it, how they need it, where they need it and for as long as they need it.”

Ms King said VCOSS will be consulting with members and the Victorian Government over coming weeks to better understand the technical elements of the recommendations.

Social service bodies and community organisations will play a vital role getting the implementation right.

Ms King again congratulated the Government for ordering the Royal Commission and pre-committing to implement all its recommendations.

“Victoria has already taken two significant steps forward.”

“Now, it’s time for a great leap,” she said.

VCOSS is urging all members of the Victorian Parliament to support the Commission’s vision and recommendations, future proofing these reforms and guaranteeing real and sustained change over the long-term.

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