The Victorian government has eliminated the requirement for leaders in mental healthcare to possess lived experience of mental health challenges. This decision, made by Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, has raised significant concerns among industry professionals, who view it as a regressive move for mental health reform.
The overhaul, part of the government’s Silver review aimed at reducing public service costs, also includes the removal of one of the two chief executive positions at the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This restructuring has led to the loss of three out of four commissioners at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, prompting fears of diminished oversight and accountability in the mental health sector.
In a letter addressed to Premier Allan, Clare Davies, chief executive of the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC), described the changes as “alarming.” She emphasized that the royal commission had made it clear that individuals with lived experience should be central to mental health reforms. “Eliminating these roles would dismantle mechanisms designed to uphold accountability and co-design,” she noted, suggesting that this shift contradicts the recommendations of the royal commission.
The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) Secretary Paul Healey criticized the government’s decision, calling it a “betrayal” and asserting that the current system is now worse than it was prior to the 2021 royal commission. “Lived experience voices are being erased, and the system they fought to improve is being pushed backwards,” Healey stated.
Legislation recently introduced in parliament outlines changes to the commission’s monitoring and reporting responsibilities. The commission’s ability to oversee quality and safety will be limited to responding to complaints, losing its mandate to monitor community outcomes. Furthermore, the annual objectives for the commission will now be set by the minister, and its access to health service data will be restricted.
Critics argue these changes undermine the commission’s role in ensuring the effectiveness of mental health services. Pru Howell-Jay, chair of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), expressed disappointment, stating that the decision reverses the recommendations made by the royal commission. “It takes us back to pre-royal commission,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll many individuals faced when sharing their mental health experiences in hopes of fostering change.
The chief executive of VMIAC, Vrinda Edan, noted a lack of collaboration or consultation from the government regarding these changes. While acknowledging budget constraints, she questioned whether the government remains committed to implementing the royal commission’s recommendations.
Concerns were echoed by Jane Dunne, acting chief executive of Tandem Carers, who emphasized the need for a strong carer perspective in ongoing mental health reforms. Phillipa Thomas, chief executive of Mental Health Victoria, highlighted uncertainties regarding the efficacy of funding allocated to implement royal commission recommendations and the tracking of progress.
In response to the backlash, a government spokesperson asserted that Victoria is leading national mental health reform efforts. “The proposed changes are about strengthening leadership and accountability in the mental health system,” the spokesperson stated. They underscored that the commission will continue to play a critical role in safeguarding rights, resolving complaints, and enhancing the mental health system.
As the situation evolves, the community and mental health advocates are left grappling with the implications of these changes and their potential impact on the future of mental health services in Victoria.
