Status: Partially delivered and in progress
What the Royal Commission said
The Royal Commission called for a new approach to regional governance and commissioning. This is part of its vision for the new mental health and wellbeing system.
This new approach recommended involved:
- The establishment of eight Interim Regional Bodies to provide advice to the Department of Health about mental health and wellbeing needs and opportunities within their regions.
The Interim Regional Bodies included people with lived and living experience. At least one consumer and one carer were members of each Interim Regional Body.
What we’ve achieved
Established Interim Regional Bodies
- The Interim Regional Bodies (IRB), established in 2022, were created to bring regional insight into a period of major mental health system reform.
- Their final reports, delivered in 2024, painted a clear picture of the challenges communities face and what is needed to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Victoria. Their findings closely mirror the Victorian Government’s reform priorities and will guide the next phase of regional planning.
- For example, across the state, the IRBs heard calls for earlier support, stronger prevention and better access to local, community-based care.
- The government acknowledges the contribution of all IRB members and the communities who participated. Their work provides enduring insight that will continue to shape how services respond to local needs as the system evolves.
Local Health Service Networks
- We have set up Victoria’s Local Health Service Networks to help health services work together and provide care closer to where people live.
- Local Health Service Networks will enable health services to work together to:
- Make it easier for patients to move through the system and receive safer, higher quality care
- Plan and support the workforce together by sharing data and developing joint workforce plans
- Find ways to improve efficiency in back-office functions and share what works with other Networks to strengthen the health system overall.
What’s next?
- Each Local Health Service Network will develop a Regional Mental Health and Wellbeing Collaboration Plan across 2026-27 to improve access to services and strengthen transitions between primary, community and acute care.
- These plans will be shaped by IRB findings and ongoing engagement with local communities and sector partners.
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