“We know that more than half of all mental health illnesses manifest at the age of 14. Imagine if we could identify and intervene early in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth years,” Merlino said.
Loading
The new legislation will be used to create regional mental health and wellness boards in the state and establish a new mental health and wellness commission with the power to investigate complaints and hold the government accountable.
Under the legislation, a new advisory body called Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria will be set up with the power to commission specialist mental health services.
Merlin said the legislation was “another key point” in the government’s reform of the mental health system, which was being rebuilt “from scratch.”
“I can tell you today that we have funded an additional 2,500 mental health workers, we are moving forward with 90% of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and … we are presenting a new mental health and wellness bill,” he said. .
The Royal Commission on Mental Health in Victoria found that their human rights continued to be violated through compulsory treatment, isolation and restraint, treatments which it insisted should be stopped or stopped.
The research, which published its final 3195-page report last year, made 65 recommendations to improve the state’s mental health system, including the creation of a new mental health law and an independent authority to hold the government accountable.
A first reading of the bill will be held on Tuesday, and a second reading is scheduled for Thursday.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the most important and interesting stories, analysis, and insights of the day. Register here.