Declaration
I believe that seclusion and restraint of people with mental health problems is a human rights issue.
I believe that the use of seclusion and restraint is not therapeutic.
I believe that the use of seclusion and restraint is distressing to everyone involved.
I believe that seclusion and restraint is an uncomfortable topic that we need to talk a lot more about.
I believe it is a failure in care and a sign of a system under stress.
I believe that reducing seclusion and restraint reduces injury to people, including staff.
I know that there are alternatives to seclusion and restraint. I believe that staff including nurses, doctors, peer workers, allied health workers, police, ambulance officers, community sector workers, wardens and others must receive adequate support, resourcing and training that support these alternatives.
I believe we need consistent, national data that gives an accurate and meaningful account of what’s really going on.
I believe all Australian governments must take responsibility for acting on that data and addressing the use of seclusion and restraint, and reporting on progress.
I believe that when seclusion and restraint happens the circumstances that lead to it must be talked about and reviewed so that better outcomes can be achieved next time for all involved.
I believe we all have a part to play in calling for change.