Minister for Health, Sussan Ley, announced today the appointment of Dr Peggy Brown as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Mental Health Commission.
Chair of the Commission, Professor Allan Fels, welcomed the appointment and thanked the current CEO David Butt for the outstanding contribution he has made to the mental health system in Australia during his tenure. “The transformational change he led with the National Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services was a major achievement,” Allan Fels said.
“David’s leadership, knowledge and experience brought to bear through the Review will have an enormous impact on the future of Australia’s mental health system. His commitment and passion for change and driving reform so that all Australians can live a contributing life and be part of a thriving community is commended.”
Professor Fels also congratulated David on his new appointment as CEO for the National Rural Health Alliance. “David will be sorely missed and I wish him all the best in this role.”
The Commission has a key role in supporting the Australian Government ensure investment in mental health is both efficient and effective and improves mental health and social and emotional wellbeing for individuals and the community. “Dr Brown brings a wealth of experience to lead the Commission and drive cross-sectoral collaboration and long-term commitment to person-centred and whole-of-life approaches to mental health,” Allan said.
Dr Brown has extensive experience in mental health leadership and advocacy roles at the both the Commonwealth and state level. She was most recently Chief Psychiatrist for the NT and Chair of the Queensland Mental Health Commission. She was also formerly Chair of the Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council (AHMAC) and the ACT Health director-general. Dr Brown will build on the Commission’s work to enable people to achieve the best possible mental wellbeing and to live contributing lives.
