Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley welcomed the interim report delivered by the Royal Commission today, which shines a powerful light on the failings of a system that has let down Victorians and their families for far too long.

The Royal Commission has found too many Victorians needing help can’t find suitable support, while those who do access ‘the system’ find it hard to negotiate their way through it. People living with mental illness are waiting longer and getting sicker before they can access services. Poor mental health costs Victoria $14.2 billion annually.

Only a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System will truly fix the ailing system and make sure Victorians in crisis can get the help that they need. The interim report identifies the key areas that can be addressed immediately, including:

• 170 new youth and adult acute mental health beds to help additional critical demand pressure
• New suicide prevention initiatives including a major expansion of the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement program and developing a new model for children and young people
• A world-class Collaborative Centre focused on cutting-edge research and education
• An international recruitment to boost Victoria’s mental health workforce, adding more nurses, allied health professionals and extra graduate placements.

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System also recommends a revenue mechanism to support the major mental health reform. The Government will consider how to acquit that recommendation.

Every Victorian has felt the impact of mental health. Many Victorians don’t know where to turn – and it’s costing lives. The Royal Commission is about building a coordinated, quality mental health system from the ground up – a system that will support Victorians and their families when they need it most.

The Commission will hold further public hearings in 2020 before delivering its final report in October. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re going to get serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.”

“Building a quality mental health system from the ground-up won’t be easy and it won’t be quick. But when the cost of not acting is measured in lives, we can’t afford to fail.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“Whether we’ve experienced it ourselves or watched a loved one suffer – every Victorian has felt the impacts of mental health. As a community, a state and a government, we need to work together to fix the system.”