By Mikayla van Loon
Mental health has been a major topic in the Victorian government this week after the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System handed down its findings.
Premier Daniel Andrews spoke of the many cracks in the mental health system during his parliamentary address on Tuesday 2 March.
“The truth is, that suffering just isn’t being taken seriously enough. People are either ‘not sick enough’ for help, or ‘too sick’ to treat outside a hospital,” Premier Andrews said.
“These big gaps in the system mean that people are falling between the cracks.”
The Royal Commission’s report consisted of 3,195 pages, 12,500 contributions and 65 recommendations.
Premier Andrews has recognised the failures in the system and has accepted all 65 recommendations, saying they will form the blueprint for the largest social change Victoria has seen in a generation.
“Today, tomorrow and in the days to come – we should never forget the true cost of failure.
Daughters and sons. Brother and sisters. Mums, dads. Mates and best friends. People we know, people we love. And getting this right – at long last, getting this done – it’s them we owe it to.”
Suicide claimed the lives of 698 people last year, a number Premier Andrews said is far too many.
“Then there’s a much bigger number, Speaker. Those who experience anxiety, depression, panic disorders, eating disorders. A continuum as complex and diverse as each of the individuals involved,” Premier Andrews said.
Rather than contribute to the existing system, the Victorian government is prepared to build an entirely new system, with the help of those who submitted their recommendations and from those with a lived experience.
The Commission’s recommendations focus on the building of new support services that can be accessed more quickly by those who need them.
This includes 60 new Adult and Older Adult Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, of which Latrobe Valley is one of six to receive these facilities first.
Bass MP Jordan Crunale said the recommendations mean those in the Bass electorate can access better treatment, closer to home.
“This year we’ve lived through a global pandemic and all the stresses that have come with it. Now, more than ever, we need a new mental health system for all Victorians,” Ms Crugnale said.
Other services are to include adult and youth support between public health services or public hospitals, as well as non-governmental services both locally and statewide.
A new mental health and wellbeing act has also been advised, alongside a mental health framework.
Mental health training will be offered through TAFE for free and a Statewide Trauma Service where mental health practitioners, trauma experts, peer workers and those with lived experiences can conduct research and provide educational material.
Emergency services will also receive extra support through a new $6 million Centre of Excellence, where police, firefighters, paramedics and search and rescue workers can access specialised support.
It is estimated that 11 per cent of emergency service workers have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder compared to only four percent of the general population.
“Our emergency service workers and volunteers deal with incredibly challenging situations every day – it’s critical they receive the right support to manage the pressures of their job, including the hidden effects it can have,” Premier Andrews said.
As part of the 2020-21 budget, the State government put $868.6 million into providing acute mental health beds, suicide prevention, Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing and support for the mental health workforce.
It is expected as the government considers all the recommendations, more changes to the system will be made.
Should you or someone you know need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
