Wednesday, 29 May 2024

Statements on tabled papers and petitions

Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Report 2022–23

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (16:58): I appreciate the opportunity to get up and speak on the annual report of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing. The truth is the importance of looking after Victorians’ mental health cannot be overstated. Victoria is home to millions of people, whose wellbeing is integral to the overall health of our community. Mental health is not just an individual concern; it affects families, workplaces and the broader community. That is why this government knows the importance of prioritising mental health support, because when Victorians have access to key services, everybody benefits.

The recently tabled annual report of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing sets out some key mental health services and approaches, such as developing mental health services that are safe, effective, timely and compassionate; putting the evidence of lived experience at the centre of all our work; partnering and collaborating with individual services and organisations with diverse experiences to create better care, treatment and support; connecting the evidence of lived experience, service provision and research to make care more person centred and compassionate; and making people’s outcomes more effective and evidence informed. There is a commitment to transparency, to communicating openly, inviting feedback, listening and responding. Of course there are calls to advocate for policy changes to transform mental health care through inclusive research and real-world evidence.

Having contemporary methods of treatment is key, and in an ever-changing landscape, we must all be ready to listen and learn from people with lived experience, because they are the ones who can help us better shape the mental health system. Addressing mental health issues among Victorians is essential for promoting overall wellness. Mental health is intrinsically connected to physical health, and when provided with adequate support and resources for mental health care, individuals can lead more fulfilling and complete lives while receiving the help they need. The collaborative centre makes it all possible. I would like to thank all the Victorians that have had the courage to share their experiences, both with mental health battles and with this state’s mental health system, so we as a government can try to formulate the best possible responses – a key aim of the collaborative centre. Mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of your age, your gender or your background, and by acknowledging and supporting individuals who are struggling with their mental health we create a culture of acceptance and understanding so people can feel comfortable sharing their stories and seeking out the right help.

The Victorian government undertook significant work in addressing mental health issues through the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, launched in 2019. The commission aimed to provide an extensive examination of the mental health system in Victoria, identifying some challenges, gaps and areas needing reform. The commission’s final report was released in early 2021, and some of us that were in this place at that time will recall heading over to the Royal Exhibition Building for that. It included 65 recommendations to create a more holistic, compassionate and integrated mental health system. The Allan Labor government committed to focusing on improving access to mental health services, increasing support for people with lived experiences of mental health issues and ensuring that mental health care is responsive to the diverse needs of our community.

Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform at work or school. By providing support and accommodations for those experiencing mental health challenges, we enable them to contribute their talents and skills to our community.

It is worth noting the enormous contribution from the Minister for Mental Health, who has just walked into this place. I thank her for her esteemed leadership in getting all recommendations of the mental health royal commission adopted. That of course was the commitment made upon the tabling of the final report of the mental health royal commission back in 2021, as I mentioned. We know that the Allan Labor government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the mental health system within Victoria caters to all people and uses the lived experiences of Victorians so that we can better care for our community. I am only too happy to speak on the annual report of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing this afternoon.