Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (21 November) . . Page.. 4209 ..

And importantly, there must be a "whole of government" approach to addressing these issues.

This statement outlines a range of reforms to bring the ACT into line with, and ultimately to lead, the rest of Australia in the provision of a caring and integrated mental health service.

In support of a whole of Government approach, a Standing Committee on Mental Health has been established within the ACT Public Service.

The aim of the Committee will be to provide a regular forum for the discussion of mental health issues across agencies at a senior officer level.

In particular it has been asked to monitor mental health issues that affect all agencies: issues such as legislation, complex client needs and accommodation services.

The Committee will meet for the first time on 28 November.

A number of other initiatives will support this approach.

ACT Housing Contact Officer positions are to be established within the ACT Mental Health Service to improve coordination between these two agencies.

These officers will be responsible for pro-active liaison with ACT Housing clients and staff and for dealing with problems and issues as they arise.

Information packages for clients, advocates and ACT Housing staff will also be developed to improve awareness about the availability of mental health services and ways of accessing support and assistance.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .