Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:12): I direct my adjournment matter to the Deputy Premier in his capacity as Minister for Mental Health in light of the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System being handed down this week.

Issues of mental health touch all Victorians either directly or indirectly. That is why I strongly welcome that this government has already committed to implementing every single recommendation.

Can the Minister for Mental Health please provide me with a detailed update on what constituents in my electorate of Wendouree can expect following the final report being tabled and how my community of Ballarat will benefit from the final report?

The royal commission is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the broken system and save and improve the lives of so many Victorians as well as supporting families and carers.

The Andrews Labor government made a historic election commitment ahead of the 2018 state election to undertake a royal commission into Victoria’s mental health system. The interim report of the royal commission was handed down in November 2019, providing a range of immediate recommendations that are already being implemented by this government.

As we recover from the COVID pandemic, we know that there are going to be many social, economic and health impacts, including mental health. That is why it is so important that we focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our families, friends and community members.

Last year’s Victorian state budget 2020–21 provided $868.6 million to get underway with delivering the interim recommendations ahead of the final report and ensure that services were supported post pandemic. This was in addition to the $215 million coronavirus pandemic mental health support package also provided last year.

I wish to thank the Premier for his leadership on this most significant issue as well as the former Minister for Mental Health, the member for Albert Park, for his tireless work over the last two years. By acting on the outcomes of this report I know that we will save lives. I look forward to hearing from the Minister for Mental Health and reporting back to my community.

Read the Minister’s response here – or for more of my contributions in Parliament, click here.