Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 5 Hansard (3 May) . . Page.. 1392 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

Bob took on the role of chair of the Mental Health Advisory Council last year. In doing so he became the first person in Australia who identified as a mental health consumer to take on such a role. Bob's moderation, his thoughtfulness, and his capacity to build a consensus made him a very effective chairperson.

Bob also took a very active role in the ACT Mental Health Consumers Network. Ms Tucker has spoken about this. He assisted their transition to becoming a funded service provider. He was always assiduous in absenting himself from advocacy and representational work when he was feeling unwell, and in this sense he was an excellent role model for other mental health consumers.

Bob was strongly involved in the ACTCOSS Mental Health Providers Network, which he often chaired. He was a key player in strengthening and unifying the voice of the non-government sector in providing advice to government about the needs of both consumers and the service sector. He was one of those rare individuals who could effectively span a range of roles. In doing so, he was universally respected for his fair and his compassionate approach.

Bob was also an enigmatic human being. His contribution to the ACT community and the ACT mental health sector was phenomenal. Bob's commitment to quality of life issues ranged from protection of our environment to human rights, as Ms Tucker has outlined. In particular, he was strongly committed to sustainable energy within our community, and to the care of people with mental health needs. Bob publicly and positively identified as a consumer of mental health services. In the mental health sector, Bob's professional acumen and understanding of the issues meant that he held a pivotal role in creating community change in attitudes and practice.

Bob's personal experience fuelled his actions for change in social attitudes and reform in mental health service delivery. In fact, he coined the term "better mental health". This term embraced the notion of being able to live one's life in a society that truly understands, respects and accommodates the needs of people living with mental illness along the continuum of mental health needs. He had great ideas for strengthening community action, creating opportunities for partnership in workplace practices, and participating with governments. His enthusiasm was ceaseless.

Bob was a kind, gentle, extraordinarily talented human being whose life touched many. I have a vivid picture of having talked with Bob in his role as adviser and chair of the Mental Health Forum and a couple of weeks later seeing Bob at the hospital. He came over to me and said, "How are you going?" and I could not believe that the person I was talking to was the same person who had been chairing the committee. He said, "Look, I'm in the middle of one of my episodes, but I know I'm getting better." He was simply so forward about it and so relaxed. It helped somebody in my position understand dealing with mental health in a much more effective way. His ability to be able to do that was quite extraordinary. It's that dual picture of Bob that I certainly will not forget.

I am sure all members join me in acknowledging his great contribution as an advocate and for all he cared about in the community. So, on behalf of the government and along with other members of the Assembly, I wish to express our sympathy to Bob's family and his friends because I know he will be missed.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .