Queensland Mental Health Commissioner drives strategies across Government

Whole-of-Government strategies will be the key to improving frontline mental health services across the state, as Queensland’s first Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck begins work.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Dr van Schoubroeck is now at the helm of the newly-established Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) and has outlined plans to improve the co-ordination of agencies in support of better mental health.

“The Commissioner, her board and officers will develop a strategic plan to direct and guide government and non-government agencies,” Mr Springborg said.

“They will drive reform to improve mental health and address the impact of substance abuse in Queensland communities.”

Dr van Schoubroeck comes to the Queensland Mental Health Commission from the Western Australia Mental Health Commission, which she helped establish.

The newly appointed Commissioner said responsibility for improving outcomes must be shared by key portfolio areas, including health, education, housing, employment and justice.

“Our objective will be to shape and strengthen partnerships between the community, government and industry,” Dr van Schoubroek said.

“This is essential if we are to improve support for people living with a mental illness or who misuse substances, as well as their families, carers and support networks.”

Mr Springborg said the QMHC is an independent statutory body established under the Queensland Mental Health Commission Act 2013.

“The Commissioner will be supported by the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council which will be established in the very near future,” he said.

The State budget allocated $2 million to establish and run the Commission with additional funds to support specific functions, including prevention and early intervention strategies, community awareness and management of the cross-government suicide prevention budget.

An important priority will be to provide feedback to a review of Queensland’s Mental Health Act 2000 to improve mental health strategies and address community needs.

“We need to ensure mentally ill people are provided with appropriate clinical treatment and treated fairly in the judicial system,” Mr Springborg said.

“We also need to protect the community and support victims of crime in the legal process.”

[ENDS] 10 July 2013

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230