Minister’s message

Since launching the consultation paper on Victoria’s new mental health strategy in May last year, I have in turn been humbled, saddened and inspired by the experiences people have shared in response to the paper.

Several voices in particular resonated for me through the process.

Ben, a young man recovering from psychotic illness, spoke passionately about wanting the chance to have a real job but lacking the ongoing support to make this possible.

Debbie, a young mother suffering post-natal depression, voiced her feelings of isolation and alienation from family and friends, but also of being too ashamed and unsure where to seek professional help.

And Sue, a middle-aged professional woman, expressed frustration in her search for help for her elderly father with early stage dementia whose deepening depression was threatening his ability to remain at home.

We can and must do better for these people and many other Victorians.

Our consultation confirmed the importance of a new agenda that gives mental health the priority it demands. It highlighted the momentum for change that exists in our community and the message that just doing more of the same will not be adequate to meet emerging challenges.

Victoria has a well-earned reputation for progressive mental health policy and quality services, so we are building on solid foundations. Yet there is more to be done to achieve a better service experience for those affected by mental illness and better outcomes for the whole population.

Prevention, early intervention, recovery and social inclusion lie at the heart of the new agenda.

We need greater focus on fostering and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing, and providing earlier support – for children and young people, and for adults before their problems become acute. At the same time we must ensure that effective services are available in the right settings to those who have enduring need or are in crisis.

We must also create a more cohesive response to mental health that addresses the overall needs of an individual and is not constrained by barriers between providers. This new mental health strategy embraces the roles of many sectors and services across the community and the whole-of-government, emphasising that mental health is
everyone’s business.

The strategy maps out a long-term agenda for the next decade. It includes aspirational goals as well as concrete proposals for action.

Implementation of this agenda is already starting, including a range of initiatives supported in the 2008-09 State Budget. Yet reform will not be achieved by new investment and service redevelopment alone. It will require significant collaboration, cultural change and better use of our human resources.

I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders to deliver on this vision and honour the voices that have been so strong and articulate in their advocacy for a new era in mental health.

The Hon. Lisa Neville MP
Minister for Mental Health

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