Update on the development of NSW Mental Health Commission

 The Office of the Hon Kevin Humphries, NSW Minister for- Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyle and Western Sydney-released a newletter updating  progress  on the establishment of the NSW Mental Health Commission.

The Mental Health taskforce, established to create a model for the Commission has conducted a number of community forums covering a broad cross section of views  to ensure the that the needs of the NSW community is met. A total of 330 community members and stakeholders attended the forums held in a  number of key locations  spread across the State (metro and regional).  Attendees represented:

• 25% consumers, carers and other category
• 40% non-government organisation
• 25% health professionals
• 10% government bodies

People suffering mental illness were involved in the discussions with regards the set up of the Commisison. The NSW mental health Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) and the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) accessed their networks of 1000 consumers and carers, to conduct face to face  sessions and on line surveys, as part of the consultation process. 

In November, a draft bill to set up the Commission, reflecting the views and wishes of the community and stakeholders will be tabled in NSW Parliament.

To explain how legislative power will be contained within the Bill to go to Parliament, a Community and Stakeholders Guide to mental health reform is being developed.

The Guide will be uploaded for viewing at  www.health.nsw.gov.au/mhdao , which is also the link to the new website for further information and future participation in discussions.