The Carroll Labor Government is rolling out new guidelines to make sure Victorians experiencing a mental health crisis get faster, safer care.
Minister Stitt today announced the new Mental Health Crisis Response Protocols.
They support a coordinated approach to mental health crises as Victoria transitions to a health-led response.
This includes arrangements for interactions between police, PSOs, Ambulance Victoria paramedics, mental health clinicians and health professionals.
Police are often the first responders to mental health call outs – however, the evidence shows this can sometimes lead to poorer outcomes for Victorians in crisis.
Victoria Police has recognised this. But the protocols acknowledge they still have an essential role when responding to call outs.
Wherever and whenever possible, police and PSOs will be required to support a health-led response.
This means working closely with health services and Ambulance Victoria to consider relevant clinical advice about a person’s mental health and level of risk.
The protocols also emphasise safe, less restrictive transport of people with mental illness when it is safe and reasonably available.
This includes support from family, carers, mental health services, non-emergency patient transport or ambulance.
Ambulance Victoria currently responds to more than 60,000 mental health related cases per year, with 25,000 of these dual-responded with police.
Coordinating emergency responses mean better care is delivered faster and more effectively to those who need it.
It also means freeing up police to be out in the community fighting crime.
The protocols have been jointly signed by the Department of Health, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.
A $5.5 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2026/27 will further strengthen responses to those experiencing mental health crisis.
It includes trialing expanded models of care, and continuing the TelePROMPT program to provide better access to mental health care via Triple Zero.
The Carroll Labor Government is not wasting any time building a mental health system that works for all Victorians.