National Mental Health Commission welcomes the appointment of Expert Reference Group

National Mental Health Commission welcomes the appointment of Expert Reference Group
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The National Mental Health Commission has welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement of the first meeting today of an expert reference group tasked with guiding the implementation of the Commission’s review into mental health programmes and services.

Commission Chair, Professor Alan Fels, said that the 13 members of the Expert Reference Group, chaired by former beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO, had an important task ahead of them.

“The Commission welcomes Minister Ley’s commitment to engaging the sector on the implementation of the report recommendations and moving quickly to finalise an action plan by October 2015.

In launching the review, we said that Australia had a transformational opportunity to tackle the individual, social and economic costs of mental ill-health if it makes mental health a priority, and we commend the Minister for her leadership in doing so,” Prof. Fels said.

“We welcome the time limited nature of the Expert Reference Group and the fact that it has to complete its tasks by October.

It’s important that implementation of the review’s recommendations and actions commences as soon as possible because the review lays out what is a long term plan for reforms,” Prof. Fels said.

Prof. Fels said that the review provided a strong, achievable and practical plan for modernising and reforming Australia’s mental health system and ultimately improving the lives of millions of Australians.

“The Commission looks forward to working with the Expert Reference Group as required to assist them in their important work advising the Australian Government,” Prof. Fels said.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to their clans, and to the elders, past present and emerging, and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

Diversity

The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.