Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): This week we witnessed a moment in history; a moment that will define the future of Victoria. Every single one of us knows the anguish of mental illness, whether directly or indirectly. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has shone a light on a system that despite the goodwill and hard work of so many people has failed to meet the challenge that confronts us. There are no words to adequately describe the experience of those who in their darkest moments have reached out for support, only to be turned away. The 65 recommendations in the commission’s report set out a vision and a blueprint for a mental health system that is responsive and compassionate.

In the inner north, which includes the Northcote electorate, the data tells us that one in five residents experience anxiety or depression, and over one in 10 suffer high levels of psychological distress. The inner north is also impacted by key service gaps and growing demand, notably in perinatal mental health, youth mental health and mental health for older residents. I am so pleased to see these areas as key features of the recommendations. This includes expanding perinatal mental health teams and creating integrated infant, child and youth mental health and wellbeing hubs as well as older adult multidisciplinary teams. It means developing safe spaces, dedicated and reformed services and connections within our communities. There are so many historic reforms contained in this report. I want to thank the thousands of Victorians who contributed to its creation. This is your report, and we will not stop until we have built the mental health system Victorians deserve.