Recommendation 50

What the Royal Commission said

The Royal Commission recommends that the Victorian Government:

1. work with the Commonwealth Government and the National Cabinet Reform Committee to:
   a. delineate the responsibilities of governments in providing a structured, coordinated, long-term approach to planning, investment and reform through the new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement;
   b. raise the profile of:
   • mental health and wellbeing, and suicide prevention and response services;
   • associated supports such as housing and homelessness services; and
   • lived experience leadership.
   c. ensure a strong focus on the implementation of mental health and wellbeing strategies.

What are the opportunities?

In December 2020, the National Federation Reform Council agreed to collaborate on systemic, whole-of-governments reform to deliver a comprehensive, coordinated, consumer-focused and compassionate mental health and suicide prevention system to benefit all Australians.

What are we doing?

The Victorian Government is working with the Commonwealth Government and all other state and territory governments to negotiate a new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. The agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of 2021.

The Victorian Government has committed to implementing all recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. Rebuilding Victoria's mental health system is a 10-year reform plan, with implementation being done in a staged and sequential way. The 2021-22 Victorian State Budget invested $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and responding to the Royal Commission's recommendations.

All work is focused on ensuring Victorians get the mental health treatment, care, and support they deserve.