Agreeing on the issues currently impacting people living with and recovering from mental health and substance use difficulties, their families and carers was the first order of business for the inaugural Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council meeting held yesterday in Brisbane.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said the first meeting was a fantastic start for the advisory council.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural meeting; the tone was upbeat and everyone was really enthusiastic about where we’re heading,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
“We agreed on a shared vision that reflects what the Commission has heard over the last nine months.
“But it wasn’t just a talk-fest. The group is really interested in seeing practical solutions that will make a difference to people in their own communities.
“Our council members come from such varied backgrounds that they should complement each other nicely when looking at both the long term and the immediate issues,” she said.
The Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council’s Chairman is Professor Harvey Whiteford, who will be supported by Deputy Chair Jan Kealton and Council members Ailsa Rayner, Amelia Callaghan, Ben Tune, Brenda Happell, Christian Rowan, Debra Spink, Etienne Roux, Gracelyn Smallwood, Kingsley Bedwell, Luke Terry and Mitchell Giles.
The Council covered a range of issues at their first meeting, including:
- A whole-of-government strategic plan
- Establishment of committees of the Council
- Social housing for people with mental health and/or substance use problems
- Securing of adult acute public mental health facilities
- Rural and remote mental health
- Collaborative mechanisms being established with key stakeholders.
The group will meet again on 12 May, 2014.
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