Mental Health Commission - consumers' role
2288. Hon Alison Xamon to the Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Mental Health I refer to the Mental Health Commission, and the role played by consumers in the establishment, and work of the Commission, and ask —
(1) Have consumers been given an opportunity to participate in the establishment of the Commission?
(2) If yes to (1), what role have they played?
(3) Will consumers have a role in the ongoing work of the Commission?
(4) If yes to (3), what role/s will consumers have?
(5) Will a consumer participation coordinator be employed within the Commission?
(6) When will the Mental Health Commissioner’s Advisory Council be established?
(7) Who will be on the Council?
(8) Will the Council include a position or positions specifically for Consumer representatives?
(9) If yes to (8) when will the position/s be advertised?
(10) If no to (8), why not?
Hon HELEN MORTON replied:
(1)-(2) Establishment of the Mental Health Commission to date has primarily focused on the formal separation of the Mental Health Division from the Department of Health. However, the Acting Commissioner and other senior staff have had several meetings with consumer representatives to better understand their views on consumer issues that the Commission may need to address.
(3) Yes.
(4)-(5) Work to determine an appropriate structure and individual roles and responsibilities within the Commission is now being progressed. Consultation with consumers will form part of this process to ensure the structure enables genuine consumer engagement.
(6)-(10) A timeline for the establishment for a Mental Health Commissioner's Advisory Council will be finalised shortly. The approach will include positions for consumers and these positions will be advertised.