Response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

In this submission, SVA shares its recommendations on the drivers of better mental health outcomes along with key recommendations to support change in the mental health sector.

SVA’s response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health system identified key systemic changes needed to enhance Australia’s mental health sector;

• involving those with lived experience of mental ill-health in decision-making and service delivery,
• fostering a stronger outcomes management culture within governments and service delivery organisations, and
• supporting service providers in capability building and workforce development.

Recommendations:

• Social policy frameworks should incentivise collaboration with the mental health sector to provide holistic care
• Governments should invest in research and adopt a ‘priority investment approach’ to shift expenditure towards quality recovery, early intervention, and prevention services
• Partnerships with the private sector can unlock new investment channels for innovative programs
• The use of technology in service delivery should be increased to improve accessibility and manage costs.