Premier

Extra Support While The Royal Commission Does Its Work

10 October 2019

The Andrews Labor Government is giving people new opportunities to help shape mental health treatment in Victoria by contributing to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced a $19.1 million mental health package to deliver a new nine-bed mental health unit at Box Hill Hospital, upgrade facilities across the state and help organisations across Victoria better support people to access the Royal Commission.

We know people who face barriers like homelessness, illness and remoteness may have trouble contributing or sharing their story with the Royal Commission – that’s why the Labor Government is providing mental health organisations a share of $2.8 million to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

The funding will also help people in Victoria, including regional Victoria, engage with the Royal Commission through extra clinics, peer support and consultation sessions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Labor Government has also provided $6.3 million for an additional nine bed mental health unit at Box Hill Hospital. The beds will open in 2020 and help people in Eastern Melbourne get access to better mental health care, earlier.

Mr Foley also announced the 39 recipients of the Labor Government’s $10 million Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Facilities Renewal Grants. The grants help existing mental health and alcohol and other drug services remodel or refurbish existing facilities to improve safety and the quality of care delivered to Victorians in need.

The Labor Government has made record investments in mental health with $172.8 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to ensure Victorians get better treatment and care, closer to home.

The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report next month and the Labor Government will implement all recommendations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“This Royal Commission is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fix our broken system, which is why we’re working to ensure all Victorians are able to share their stories and have their say on how we build a better system.”

“While we hold Australia’s first ever Royal Commission into mental health, we’re making sure our current services are up to scratch and delivering quality mental health care to all Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer

“These new beds at Box Hill Hospital will ensure people in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs have better access to mental health treatment and care, closer to home, family and friends.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?