The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has been granted a three-month extension on the delivery of its final report due to the impacts of coronavirus, ensuring the Commission has the time it needs to engage with Victorians.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced the Royal Commission’s final report will now be delivered in early February 2021 – ensuring that as we build a new mental health system, the voices of Victorians are at the heart of our work.

With a number of public hearings and community meetings cancelled due to coronavirus, the extension was granted after a request from the Royal Commission and feedback from the sector on the additional challenges they faced in providing testimony and evidence during the pandemic.

This extension will give the Royal Commission the opportunity to engage with a range of people and organisations in Melbourne and regional Victoria – whose input is essential to long lasting reform.

It also provides an opportunity to look at issues around social isolation and loneliness, the impact of which have been brought into sharp focus by recent measures put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The Royal Commission is the first of its kind in Australia and was established by the Victorian Government to shine a light on the failings of a system that has let down Victorians and their families far too long.

It’s a once in a generation opportunity to build 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 Government will implement each and every recommendation made by Royal Commission.

The Government recently announced an extra $19.5 million to deliver the recommendations of the Royal Commission’s interim report, including funding to support its dedicated workforce and the continued rollout of suicide prevention programs across the state.

This investment comes on top of the $59.4 million coronavirus mental health package to help meet demand as more Victorians reach out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty during and after the coronavirus pandemic.

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

“From the outset of the Royal Commission, we understood that the voices of Victorians must be at the heart of our reform.”  

“I want to thank the Commission for their work so far – providing the framework to build the mental health system that Victorians and their families deserve.”