The Florey welcomes the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
The Florey is committed to changing lives through brain research, with our mental health research areas focusing on depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction and neurodegenerative disorders which affect cognition.
Shining a spotlight on this important topic was welcomed by Professor Steven Petrou, Director of The Florey.
“We thank the Victorian Government and Commissioners for their leadership on a topic which affects so many members of our community,” said Professor Petrou.
The Florey’s submission highlights the transformative role that research can provide in preventing, diagnosing or treating mental illnesses. It also recognises that partnerships and collaborations across all areas of the mental health system will be necessary to continue improving outcomes for people who are experiencing mental illnesses.
As part of The Florey’s commitment to ensuring a thoughtful and well-rounded mental health research workforce of the future, three early-mid career researchers, Dr Robyn Brown, Dr Leigh Walker and Dr Sarah Ch’ng have added their perspectives, ideas and experiences to the submission.
“As an early career researcher, this was a fantastic opportunity to outline how my research, and that of my peers at The Florey, is playing a critical role in the mental health system,” said Dr Walker.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System is the first of its kind and is charged with providing recommendations on how to best reform the current mental health system and support Victorians with mental illness, including those at risk of suicide.
In launching the Commission, the Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley said that this is an opportunity to find out what is working, what isn’t and what can be changed to benefit Victorians.
You can read more about The Florey’s submission online. Further details about the hearings are available on the Royal Commission website.