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Calling for a cultural shift – our CEO on mental health in Australia

Our CEO, Louise Glanville appeared before the Productivity Commission on 18 November, to talk about the Commission’s inquiry into mental health in Australia and the need for a cultural shift in the justice system.

Published:
Thursday 21 November 2019 at 12:00 am

Our CEO, Louise Glanville appeared before the Productivity Commission on 18 November, to talk about the commission’s inquiry into mental health in Australia.

We welcome the commission’s focus on the need for change across the health, housing, justice, employment and social security systems to improve the way our community responds to mental health issues.

‘Often people have to really be in crisis in order to get the assistance they need so we are really advocating for a system which not only responds to crisis but more holistically deals with prevention and early intervention particularly in the community space.’

Louise Glanville, Victoria Legal Aid CEO

In response to questions Louise spoke about the need for a ‘cultural shift in the justice system’ towards a greater use of diversion and therapeutic options.

Louise spoke about the importance of legal representation by our specialist mental health practice, and non-legal advocacy from our Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) service for people facing compulsory treatment, and emphasised the need for a greater focus on providing safe and stable housing in the community.

‘We want to enable people to live healthy lives and make a contribution to the community.’

Watch the video(opens in a new window) to hear more from Louise.

We look forward to continuing to engage with the Productivity Commission on this important inquiry.

More information

Read our initial response to the Productivity Commission’s draft report on mental health in Australia.

Read about our submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry.

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