Reflections on the Royal Commission into Mental Health

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System delivered its final report on 3 February 2021 and it was tabled in Parliament by the Victorian Government on 2 March 2021. The work of the Commission has now concluded.

SPEAKERS:
Dr Neil Coventry, Chief Psychiatrist
Sam Biondo, CEO of Victorian Alcohol and Drugs Association (VAADA)
Heather Pickard, CEO of Self Help Addiction Recovery (SHARC)
Sione Crawford, CEO of Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic)
Karen Gelb Snr Policy and Research Officer, Penington Institute
Tricia Szirom, Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC)
Simon Kroes, Senior Dual Diagnosis Clinician Nexus, St Vincent’s Mental Health

With particular focus on recommendations concerning access to holistic care for people with substance use and mental health issues, stigma and discrimination, the role of people with lived experience, and how local community networks can contribute to better experiences for consumers and carers.

Substance use problems are often linked with pre-existing mental health issues. People choose to use substances for a wide variety of reasons, including to self-medicate against underlying, sometimes unknown problems.

Dr. Neil Coventry – Slides