On Tuesday 22 July the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee held their inaugural meeting.
Their role is to consider and advise on matters referred to them by the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council that have a specific focus on practical changes to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, carers, families and communities of Queensland.
The Committee will provide expert advice to the Council on emerging trends, policy, planning and implementation issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including:
1. Whole-of-government strategic plan
- Development of the Strategic Plan
- Monitoring and Reporting of the Strategic Plan
2. Review, evaluate, and advise on projects of the Commission including:
- Ordinary and Special Reports
- Legislation
- State and national programs
3. Promote and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas about mental health and substance misuse issues that impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and wellbeing
- Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention
- Consumers, Families and Carers
- Supporting Other Agencies
4. System Governance
- External drivers and opportunities.
The Committee will engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, families and carers including subgroups such as: children and young people; people with disability and people living in rural and remote locations; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender to ensure that the Council has access to a diversity of views. They will also engage with other individuals and organisations, as required to achieve its objectives and in accordance with an approved workplan.
Committee members include:
- Professor Gracelyn Smallwood: (Chair) Advisory Council Member
- Ron Weatherall: Deputy Director General, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs (DATSIMA)
- Marianna Serghi: Executive Adviser, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, Queensland Department of Health (DoH)
- Matthew Cooke: Acting CEO, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
- Adrian Carson: CEO, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health
- Sandy Gillies: Director, Queensland Mental Health Commission
