VMIAC and SHARC are extremely disappointed that the Victorian Government has failed to deliver on its promise to implement Recommendation 29 from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Recommendation 29 called on the Victorian Government to establish a Consumer Lived Experience Agency. Despite being 18 months overdue and intended as a critical part of the new mental health system, this funding was not included in this year’s Victorian Budget.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO VMIAC INTERIM CEO KATHY WILSON
“The Victorian Government has broken its promise to the community by failing to establish the Consumer Lived Experience Agency in this year’s budget. Delivering on this promise only required a modest investment out of the $900 million being collected each year by the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy.”
“This is devastating news for mental health consumers across Victoria. We cannot create a better system by ignoring the Royal Commission’s recommendations for reform. Sidelining consumer lived experience sets us up to repeat the mistakes of the past.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHARC CEO CLARE DAVIES
“The Consumer Lived Experience Agency was at the heart of the plan for a better mental health and wellbeing system that puts the safety and care of Victorians first. Without it in place, we will fail to provide the care and support that people need to survive and thrive.”
“We are calling on the Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt to take immediate steps towards a process for establishing the Consumer Lived Experience Agency within the next 12 months. It is time to demonstrate a real commitment to achieving this outcome.”
More information:
- VMIAC information on Recommendation 29
- Royal Commission website - Recommendation 29
- Organisations calling for urgent implementation of Recommendation 29
About us:
VMIAC is the peak Victorian organisation for people with a lived experience of mental health problems or emotional distress. We’re an advocacy organisation run by consumers, for consumers.
SHARC is founded on the belief that people are experts in their own recovery. Addiction can affect anyone, including family and friends, but at SHARC we believe recovery is possible with the right information, education and support.
Contact details:
Daniel Scoullar - 0402 596 297 / daniel@socialchangeprojects.com.au