State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan is encouraging local people to take part.
‘‘Victoria’s mental health system is in crisis and needs urgent attention,’’ Ms Ryan said.
‘‘I am regularly contacted by people who have tried to take their concerns about the state’s current mental health system to the Andrews Government, only to feel that their story falls on deaf ears.
‘‘This Royal Commission presents an opportunity to highlight areas for improvement, to look at ways to boost early intervention and for people with a mental illness and their carers to share their story and play a part in reshaping a better mental health system in our state.’’
Ms Ryan said the Victorian Auditor-General’s Report Access to Mental Health Services found that the Department of Health and Human Services had done too little to address the imbalance between demand for, and supply of mental health services in Victoria.
The workforce strategy does not address the particular issues in regional and rural areas, failing to articulate specific targets and breakdown barriers to mental health services created by geographic catchment areas.
‘‘The Royal Commission is strongly supported by the Liberal Nationals, but it’s not the only option to drive change,’’ Ms Ryan said.
‘‘As the Auditor-General confirmed last month, there are steps that Daniel Andrews can take now to better support Victoria’s most vulnerable and fix this broken system.
‘‘I strongly encourage all Victorians to have their voices heard about this critical issue.’’
●For more information about how to participate in the Royal Commission and to make a submission, visit rcvmhs.vic.gov.au/submissions
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