Rachel’s constituent raised concerns around proposed changes to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. After the 2021 tabling of the Government’s final report from the Royal Commission into Mental Health, a total of four commissioners were appointed. These Commissioners oversee quality of services and ensure the implementation of recommendations from the report. An announcement to reduce the number of commissioners to just one, raises questions around the capacity of the Commission to implement recommendations in full.
Thursday the 11th of September 2025
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Mental Health. My constituent is a resident of Lynbrook. He has expressed concern around the availability of mental health services in his area and the downsizing of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission model was established in response to the recommendations by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. It aims to ensure government accountability, implement further recommendations and address stigma. Despite this, the government has announced plans to reduce the number of commissioners from four to just one.
So, my constituent asks: how will the government ensure the effective implementation of recommendations from the royal commission under a single commissioner?
[Written response pending]
Related:
> Mental health service gaps in Casey and Cardinia – Rachel Payne
> Government pledge of 800 new mental health staff goes unfulfilled – Rachel Payne
> Motion to refer inquiry – Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health – Rachel Payne
> Cranbourne needs affordable mental health care – Rachel Payne
External:
> Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – final report | vic.gov.au
