In March of 2021, the Royal Commission into Mental Health released its final report which included Recommendation 29 – Rec 29 proposed establishing a non-governmental organisation led by individuals with personal experiences of mental health challenges and the mental health system. This agency was envisioned to be a cornerstone of the new system but is yet to be funded, despite the original target of being operational by the end of 2022.
Recommendation 29 underscores the importance of consumer-led innovation, and the need for consumer-led organisations and programs. It envisions a future where lived experience leaders play pivotal roles in driving systemic change and where services are developed in close collaboration with those with lived experiences.
This new organisation would be a welcoming space where ideas for improving mental health and wellbeing can flourish. It will champion the use of lived experiences and diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change in mental health services and substance abuse support networks. This initiative would be hub for innovation, celebration, and leadership—a guiding light towards a reimagined mental health landscape.
The delay in funding for Rec 29 poses a significant risk to mental health reform efforts. Without it, there is a danger of perpetuating the status quo or only making superficial changes. This delay not only undermines the Royal Commission’s vision but also erodes hope for meaningful progress in mental health support and recovery. It’s crucial that action is taken promptly to ensure that the voices and expertise of those with lived experiences are at the forefront of mental health reform.
You can show your support by signing our community letter here and sharing the campaign in your networks using the resources below.
We asked our communities why consumer leadership is important to them. This is what they told us:
Let your community know
Let your community know that Rec 29 needs funding now: create a selfie with our printout to share in your social networks or share the images below in your social networks and use #fundouragency and @vmiac.
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Media Release for the joint letter
Approved by Craig Wallace - Level 3, 211 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3121
Campaign Timeline
March
Emeritus Professor, Bernadette McSherry, highlights the importance of Rec 29 in her article in the Melbourne University Publication, Pursuit - you can find it here .
February 2024
As we approach the 3rd anniversary of the release of the final report from Royal Commission, VMIAC has written to all Victorian members of parliament to highlight to urgent need for the establishment of the Consumer Agency.
January 2024
The Victorian peak body for social services, VCOSS, released their submission for the Victorian budget. The submission highlights how it is essential that Lived Experience is firmly centred in the architecture of our mental health system and calls on the government to deliver funds to establish a not-for-profit, consumer-governed and driven Consumer Leadership Agency . See here for the section on the consumer agency and here for the full submission.
December 2023
Peak mental health body, Mental Health Victoria, has called for immediate establishment of the Consumer Leadership Agency in it's budget submission to the Victorian Government, citing community and sector concern about consumer-leadership being sidelined. See here for this section and here for MHV's full submission.
15 of Victoria’s Leading Mental Health and Advocacy organisations make a joint call for the Consumer Leadership Agency to be established as a matter of urgency – see the joint letter here. You can find the media release here.
November 2023
VMIAC met with the Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Ingrid Stitt M, and discussed the urgent need for Our Agency to be established. The Minster emphasised the Government’s commitment to implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
October 2023
The Victoria Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing alerted the minister on how the absence of our agency is a matter of p[public concern. “an essential part of the architecture of a transformed mental health system”.
VMIAC and SHARC write to the secretary of the Department of Health about the importance of Our Agency.
September 2023
VMIAC and SHARC CEOs co-present at the Lived Experience Leadership Forum on Our Agency.
Ms Katherine Whetton (Deputy Secretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Department of Health, Victoria) confirms the importance of the consumer leadership agency being established.
August 2023
VMIAC and SHARC launch the 'Our Agency' campaign at the Collab conference and TheMHS in Adelaide.
June 2023
The Recommendation 29 Campaign group, headed by consumer leaders, is formed.
May 2023
No funding for the agency is allocated in the state budget – SHARC and VMIAC are very disappointed.
June - December 2022
The Our Agency project commences - VMIAC and SHARC run state-wide consultations on the design of the consumer Leadership Agency. See more here.
March 2021
Final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System is released. The report contains 65 recommendations, including Recommendation 29 to establish a consumer leadership agency.