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QMHC eNews – Issue 13

17 Sep 2014

Commissioner's update

I am pleased to announce that the Whole-of-government Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2014-2019 will be launched by the Honourable Lawrence Springborg MP, Minister for Health on 9 October 2014 during Mental Health Week.

Commissioner's Update

The plan’s launch is an important milestone for our State and represents the beginning of our collective work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. Mental Health Week is fast approaching with a full schedule of events. Make sure you have a look at the MIND-CLICKS website to see what events are happening in your area and how you can take part.

I look forward to seeing you at the launch of Mental Health Week at Brisbane City Hall on 8 October and at the Walk for Awareness on Sunday morning, 12 October.

I recently attended the very successful International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership in Manchester. The Commission is responsible for Queensland’s contribution to Australia's membership which allows people from the sector to attend without paying a registration fee. I would appreciate a short email from anyone who attended describing what they got out of it, so that we can demonstrate the value of this investment. Email commissioner@qmhc.qld.gov.au

I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Professor Brenda Happell, a member of the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council, on her achievement as editor-in- chief of the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, which now ranks in the world’s top five nursing journals.

Until next time

Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner

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

Have your say: Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service Enhancement Discussion Paper

The Discussion Paper focuses on the need to strengthen clinical perinatal and infant mental health services across Queensland. We are interested in your views, which will help us to finalise our advice to the Queensland Government on options for responding better to the mental health needs of expectant and new mothers and their families, and helping them to stay on track to lead healthy and happy lives. The Commissioner recently spoke with The Courier Mail about this issue.

Read more and complete the survey.

Queensland Mental Health Week 8-12 October

There are lots of ways you can take part in Queensland Mental Health Week 2014:

Make a ‘MIND-CLICK’ pledge on the MIND-CLICKS website

In the media

The Commissioner spoke to Matt Wordsworth on the ABC’s 7:30 Report about the closure of the Barrett Centre, the review of the Mental Health Act 2000, her concerns about child patient review times and her thoughts on the use of justice examinations orders (JEOs). Watch now.

The Commissioner also spoke to ABC Lateline’s John Stewart about the calls to overhaul Queensland laws to allow magistrates to consider the mental capacity, due to mental illness or cognitive impairment, of people charged with criminal offences. Watch now.

Sector news