Victorians experiencing mental illness including those in the eastern suburbs will have access to better treatment, care and support closer to loved ones, under recommendations handed down by the final report from Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental health System.

The Commission has delivered its final report - a blueprint for delivering a new mental health system for all Victorians, including those in the eastern suburbs - the state’s biggest social reform in a generation.

Welcoming the report, local Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor MP, said the Andrews Labor Government recognised the profound failures of the current system had sadly cost lives, committing to implement every one of the report’s recommendations.

Australia’s first ever Royal Commission into Mental Health has provided the government and community with the plan to build a new mental health system, from the ground up, and with expertise from those with lived experience.

A system that provides people with the care they need early on – before they reach the emergency department and before it’s too late.

There are no quick fix solutions. While it will take time for the government to fully consider the report’s vital recommendations, work has already begun on implementing those laid out in the Royal Commission’s interim report.

The 2020-21 Victorian State Budget includes $868.6 million to focus on priority areas such as acute mental health beds, suicide prevention, Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing, and support for the mental health workforce.

But we know much more needs to be done to make a mental health system every Victorian deserves – and that is what we will do.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor

“This is a landmark report. It makes for uncomfortable reading, knowing it is the lived stories of those that successive governments have failed. They’re real. And it’s vital we hear them.”

“Now that the Commissioners have handed down the report, delivering on these recommendations is critical, and something we have promised to do, in full.”

“Without a doubt, in delivering on each and every one of the recommendations coming from the Mental Health Royal Commission will be one of the most important reforms the Andrews Government will make.”

“Even before I was a local MP, I was so proud that the Premier committed to a Royal Commission in 2018 – and delivered on that promise. It will take many years of important reform, and this isn’t the end by a long shot, but I’m so pleased that the first step has been taken on this important journey.”