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QMHC eNews – Issue 12

5 Aug 2014

Commissioner's update

Release of the discussion paper about the Mental Health Act 2000 has been an excellent opportunity for individuals and organisations to have their say. I often hear from people in the community, particularly around issues like justice examination orders (JEOs) and the role of community treatment orders in Queensland.

We have now made our submission to the Department of Health providing comment and specific recommendations in response to proposals made as part of the Queensland Government’s review of the Act.

On Monday 21 July, we held the third meeting of the Advisory Council, where discussion focused on legislation and the review of the Mental Health Act 2000, and the establishment and work plans of the committees of the Council.  You can read the meeting communique here.

Last month I also spoke at the 2014 Australian Winter School conference, hosted by Lives Lived Well. Of particular interest for those working in the alcohol and other drugs sector were the results of keynote speaker Dr Adam Winstock’s global drug survey, the biggest survey of current drug use ever conducted. You can view the results of the survey here.

I would like to congratulate Associate Professor Julian Trollor, Chair, Intellectual Disability Mental Health, on the production of a new national guide, Accessible Mental Health Services for People with an Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Providers, which is now available for use by services and practitioners. The guide is built on the key elements of reform and recommendations arising from the 2013 National Roundtable on the Mental Health of People with Intellectual Disability.

Looking ahead, the Commission will soon be launching the Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2014–2019 which I look forward to sharing with you.

Until next time

Lesley van Schoubroeck
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner

Read more about the Commissioner’s work in the Commissioner’s Diary.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health

Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
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. Read more

Indigenous suicide and mental health summit launches new leadership group
Indigenous and international leaders in mental health gathered in Perth last month to address the unacceptably high rates of suicide in Australian Indigenous communities, and for the launch of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health group. Read more

People empowered to make positive changes for their future
A self-help, empowerment programme has begun in Cherbourg to strengthen people, families and the community. Read more

Professor Gracelyn Smallwood awarded National NAIDOC Person of the Year
Professor Smallwood was recognised for her outstanding contribution to her community and the nation as a whole.  She is also a member of the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council and Committee Chair. Read more

Campaign launches to address strong link between racism, and depression and anxiety in Indigenous Australians
beyondblue has launched the Invisible Discriminator, an Australian-first campaign that shows the devastating psychological effect that subtle racism has on Indigenous Australians. Read more and watch the video

Welcome to the Office of the Health Ombudsman & the Queensland Family and Child Commission

The Office of the Health Ombudsman opened on July 1 and is now the single point of entry for health service complaints in Queensland. Healthcare consumers and providers will benefit from a simpler and more transparent, health service complaints management system. Read more

Welcome to the Office of the Health Ombudsman & the Queensland Family and Child Commission

July 1 also saw the opening of the Queensland Family and Child Commission, who will provide oversight on the progress of the Queensland Government’s child protection reform agenda to transform the way Queensland’s most vulnerable children are protected from harm. Read more 

Queensland Mental Health Week 2014

Open Minds has launched the campaign for Queensland Mental Health Week, which will run from 6 – 12 October 2014. This year, the theme in Queensland is MIND-CLICKS – where minds meet.

The 2014 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards are now open for nominations and are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, organisations and businesses.

There are four categories; consumer or carer award, individual award, organisational award and workforce award. Nominations close on Friday 12 September and are presented at a special ceremony during Mental Health Week.

Follow Mental Health Week on Twitter
Visit the MIND-CLICKS website

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