In March 2021, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System released its final report. The report contains 65 recommendations, which the Victorian Government has committed to implementing in full.

The Royal Commission recommended that the Victorian Government replaces the current Mental Health Act 2014 with a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act by mid-2022.

The Victorian Department of Health has published an Update and Engagement Paper on the Engage Victoria website for public consultation, with submissions due by August 1.

Tandem's submission

Tandem is preparing a submission based on our consultation with members. You can read about our consultation so far in:

• Act for in inclusive Mental Health and Wellbeing System: our combined report on our survey of 112 family, friends and supporters of people who have used mental health services and a consultation session with 54 members
• Our Summary of themes and responses from a consultation session with 24 members

Making your own submission

We encourage to write your own submission in response to the Government’s paper.

This may interest you if there are issues of particular importance to you and your family, or if you have a story that you want to share.

It is also very effective when the Government receives a number of submissions that repeat similar concerns.

To make an individual submission

• You have until 11:59pm on the 1st of August 2021
• You make your submission directly into the Engage Victoria website, by answering the questions in the online submission form. You don’t have to answer all the questions.
• If you don’t want to provide your submission in this format, there’s an option to email it to [email protected]
• If you use the form, be aware that you can’t save your submission and come back to it. You may want to prepare your responses beforehand so that you’re able to complete your submission in one sitting.
• We have produced a submission guide which includes example responses that other families and friends have given and provides a space for you to draft your own response. You may want to use this as a guide when writing your own responses.
• You can make multiple submissions.
• If you would like assistance from Tandem, email us at [email protected] and someone from the team will reach out to you.

Submission Tips

• Use headings/subheadings (it’s easier to identify which topic areas you’re focusing on)
• Keep your language clear and concise 
• Try and keep it brief 
• Use colour [text and boxes] 
• Use bold to highlight important words – headings
• Use bullet points to make your argument clear and concise 
• Number all pages
• For supporting evidence: reference key research using a link (do not attach extra documentation)
• Proofread 
• Check references 

Be Mindful

Writing a submission is unique to each person, and it’s best to keep in mind that it may bring up unsettling emotions as you may be drawing on past or current experiences. It may feel best to take regular breaks, have a debrief or complete it entirely in the one go. After that, it’s up to you but keep checking in with what feels best for you. There’s no requirement on the submission length, so don’t push yourself outside of your capacity. If there’s one area you really want to focus on, feel free to do so. There’s no pressure.