3 March 2021

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System handed down its final report yesterday, making 65 recommendations for change.

In delivering the report, the Chair of the Commission, Penny Armytage, acknowledged that large scale transformational change was needed. She also stated that investment in supporting the wellbeing and professional development of staff across the mental health sector was critical.

The planning and design of the reforms will be informed by the lived experience of the community and will involve competent and compassionate mental health clinicians. The scope is wide — from traditional tertiary mental health care through to wellbeing.

“As a key provider of mental health services, Austin Health was grateful for the opportunity to make a submission to the Royal Commission,” says Austin Health CEO Adam Horsburgh.

“I’d like to acknowledge our Mental Health team who co-ordinated this submission which outlined some of the challenges we face due to the exponential increase in demand for mental health services, and the increasingly complex needs of the community," he says.

"We look forward to working collaboratively across the sector to implement the recommendations and bring about important change for the community and our staff."

You can read the full report on the Royal Commission website. There are also Plain Language and Easy Read versions of the summary and recommendations, and a video explaining the final report:

If you’re upset by any content in the report or if you or a loved one need support, these services may be able to help:

• If you’re not in immediate danger but you need help, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024
• For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
• For support, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• If you’re in a situation that is harmful or life-threatening, contact emergency services immediately on 000