Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Ministers statements: Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:41): I rise to update the house on another important milestone in the Allan Labor government’s ongoing implementation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Last week I announced the appointment of two leading experts to head the new Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Carolyn Gillespie and Professor Sarah Wilson. Establishing the collaborative centre was the very first recommendation the commission made as part of its interim report and will bring together researchers, health professionals and people with lived experience to lead the reform. This Australian-first centre will provide mental health and wellbeing treatment, care and support to adults, lead cutting-edge research and serve as the engine room for reform across the mental health sector and its workforce.

With two sector-leading CEOs now in place, the important work of the collaborative centre is set to move into full swing. Carolyn Gillespie brings an important combination of lived experience and clinical expertise, for which she is highly regarded across the health, justice and community sectors. Professor Sarah Wilson brings more than 30 years experience in clinical neuropsychology and international research into mental health. The new CEOs will be working closely with lead partners the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the University of Melbourne, alongside 18 other mental health and research collaborators, including community services, with a particular focus on Aboriginal health and wellbeing. With $6 billion of investment and work underway on 90 per cent of the commission’s recommendations, the collaborative centre will play a central role as the Allan Labor government continues to build a new, more responsive, more compassionate mental health system.