Consumer Group to Shape Mental Health Reforms
27 June 2012 at 10:39 am
The Federal Government has establishment of a Consumer Reference Group to set up the new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation.
The Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said the Consumer Reference Group would help guide the establishment of the new organisation announced as part of the National Mental Health Reform package.
“I’ve appointed 10 people to the Consumer Reference Group who have the necessary expertise and experience to make a profound impact on the responsiveness and accountability of the mental health system,” Butler said.
“Members were chosen by a selection panel made up of consumers, non-government and government representatives and bring a diverse set of skills, knowledge, sector diversity and networks.”
The Australian Government has invested $4 million over five years to establish and operate the new National Mental Health Consumer Organisation as part of its landmark $2.2 billion national mental health reform package.
“The Consumer Reference Group will be chaired by Ian Watts who has an extensive health care background and substantial experience in leadership and organisational roles,” Butler said.
Watts said diverse and inclusive consultation was central to Australia’s mental health reform.
“It’s critical to listen to and support people who cannot always speak out independently to improve mental health systems, particularly the safety and quality of these services, and community awareness of the issues,” he said.
The group will lay the foundations of the new organisation through a range of engagement activities which may include consultations, forums and membership activities.
Once established, the new organisation will be dedicated to representing the diverse views of mental health consumers to contribute to a more responsive and accountable mental health system.
The members the Consumer Reference Group are:
Mr Ian Watts (Chair)
Dr Michelle Banfield
Mr Michael Burge
Ms Fay Jackson
Mr Darren Jiggins
Mr Keith Mahar
Mr Lei Ning
Ms Lorraine Powell
Ms Emily Todorov
Ms Lily Wu
