The Liberals and Nationals have successfully stopped the Allan Labor Government’s attempt to strip power from Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, protecting its independence and strengthening its ability to hold government to account.
The Commission is the peak body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Labor’s changes would have allowed the Minister to set the Commission’s priorities, effectively turning the Commission into Labor’s lapdog, instead of the government’s watchdog.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, said the Liberals and Nationals stepped in to stop the move and stand up for the sector and the Victorians who rely on mental health support.
“Labor tried to turn the mental health watchdog into a lapdog,” Ms Kealy said.
“We stopped them, because this Commission must hold the government to account, not take directions from it.”
The Liberals and Nationals not only blocked Labor’s power grab, but secured powers for the Commission to compel the information in needs to do its job, boosting transparency and accountability across the mental health sector.
“You cannot deliver reform if the truth is hidden,” Ms Kealy said.
“We have given the Commission the powers it needs to access information and properly oversee the government’s delivery of the Royal Commission recommendations.”
The Liberals and Nationals ensured lived experience voices remain embedded at the heart of the Commission and the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“Those with lived experience understand the system better than anyone,” Ms Kealy said.
“Their voices must remain central to every decision, every reform, and every outcome.”
Ms Kealy said the changes come at a time when Labor is falling short of their promise to implement the Royal Commission recommendations.
“Five years into a 10-year reform, key recommendations have been delayed, watered down, or scrapped,” she said.
“Victorians are waiting longer for care, emergency departments are overwhelmed and too many Victorians are waiting for help.”
The Liberals and Nationals thank lived experience groups and mental health organisations for their advocacy in achieving this outcome.
“This is a win for the mental health sector and for vulnerable Victorians,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Liberals and Nationals have fought hard to ensure the Commission has the independence and the powers it needs to get the reforms back on track.”
The Liberals and Nationals reaffirm our commitment to implementing the Royal Commission recommendations in full, so Victorians can get the support they need when they need it.