Calls for transparency in implementing mental health reform

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Victorian Branch has expressed concern following reports that findings contained in an independent assessment of Victoria's mental health reform program were amended prior to publication.

RANZCP Victorian Branch spokesperson Dr Nardine Elzahaby said the Royal Commission represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a mental health system that had failed too many Victorians for too long, making transparency and accountability essential to maintaining confidence in the reform process.

"The Royal Commission envisaged the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission as an independent body that would monitor reform progress and provide transparent reporting on the performance of Victoria's mental health and wellbeing system,” Dr Nardine Elzahaby said.

"As psychiatrists working on the frontline of a system under enormous strain, we see the consequences of these reforms, or the lack of them, in our patients every day. We understand mental health reform is a long journey, and we don't expect everything to be fixed overnight. Sustained, long term commitment is what reform actually needs.

"What we do expect is a shared and honest picture of where things stand. That's only possible with openness, transparency and a genuine commitment to improvement. Independent oversight exists not to criticise reform efforts, but to provide an honest account of what is working, what is not, and where attention should be focused next.

Dr Elzahaby said Victorians experiencing mental illness, their families and carers deserve confidence that progress towards reform is being assessed openly, transparently and independently.

"We call on the Victorian Government to publicly outline how the report was amended prior to publication and ask the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to address whether the process was fair, reasonable and consistent with the standards of accountability promised when it was established.

“Above all else, we call on the Victorian Government to continue implementing the Royal Commission's recommendations in full and with urgency so that Victorians experiencing mental ill health can access the timely, high-quality care and support they deserve,” Dr Elzahaby said.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911, or email media@ranzcp.org.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.