Page 177 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 May 1989
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party examine issues such as school autonomy and the quality of teaching in ACT schools?
MR WHALAN: I will have to take the question on notice.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
MR MOORE: I have a question for Mr Berry, the Minister for Health. During Schizophrenia Week a number of initiatives have been taken by the Minister. One of the calls coming from the Schizophrenia Fellowship, the community body which has been carrying a great deal of weight in this matter for years, has been for a mental health advocate. Does the Minister intend to appoint a mental health advocate?
MR BERRY: I think that at this stage there is no clear intention to do that, although a number of initiatives are under way. We have indicated previously our commitment to a review of the Mental Health Ordinance, and of course that is to proceed. In addition, the Government is examining options in consultation with the ACT Council of Social Services for an improved crisis service, and I announced this morning that we would be dealing with that as soon as possible in recognition of Schizophrenia Week.
Another issue which is a problem in the mental health area relates to accommodation. I am advised that the ACT Community and Health Service is encouraging community agencies to cooperatively develop alternatives to institutional care, which is consistent with Labor Party policy on the matter. But in answer directly to your question, at this stage there is not, as far as I am aware, an intention to appoint an advocate.
MR MOORE: I put a supplementary question. Could I have an indication that you will certainly give appropriate consideration to this proposal? We are aware of the work done by the youth advocate, and many argue that a mental health advocate is a good idea. Will you assure the Assembly that you will give due consideration to that?
MR BERRY: I would add in relation to what I have already said on the matter that the crisis service, I am advised, would provide a fast track arrangement for those presenting with mental health issues, and of course the advocacy arrangements may be able to be incorporated in that sort of arrangement. However, I will give an undertaking to look into the matter further and seek some further advice from my department, and I can report back to Mr Moore directly.
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