Sam Hibbins to ask the Minister for Health for the Minister for Mental Health —
With reference to Recommendation 16 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the establishment of mentally healthy workplaces:
(1) What progress has been made to date.
(2) What programs, changes or systems have been implemented.
Response from the Minister for Mental Health
The Allan Labor Government is committed and on track to acquitting Recommendation 16 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
As recommended by the Royal Commission, I am pleased to advise that Victoria’s first statewide Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework and supporting tools and resources have now been published online at https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-mentally-healthy-workplaces-framework.
The Framework has created a common language to shape the way mental health is spoken about in the workplace and define expectations and responsibilities of workplaces. In addition, accessible resources and tools for both employees and employers provide a trusted and central source of workplace health and safety information.
This work has been informed by the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Advisory Group, which is co-Chaired by the Premier, the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, and comprises senior membership from industry, unions, and the State Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Adviser. The Advisory Group has been meeting since 2022 to advise on development of the Framework and supporting tools and resources.
A Mentally Healthy Workplaces Consultative Committee was also established to support the work of the Advisory Group. The Consultative Committee has provided guidance and advice to the Advisory Group from the perspective of employees and workplaces, including people with lived experience of psychological distress or mental injury.
The Government will continue to work to improve the mental health of all Victorian workplaces beyond 2023, encouraging workplace leaders to champion mentally healthy workplaces.
