Premier Colin Barnett has today announced the appointment of highly regarded public servant Tim Marney as the State's next Mental Health Commissioner.
Mr Marney, who has held the role of Under Treasurer since 2005, will succeed the State's first ever Mental Health Commissioner, Eddie Bartnik, on February 17.
Mr Barnett said Mr Marney had expressed a strong interest in making a contribution to the Government's substantial reform agenda in mental health.
"With a Mental Health Bill currently before the Parliament and work taking place on a Mental Health Services Plan to address major challenges facing the Government and the community in relation to mental health, the Government was delighted to accept Mr Marney's request to enter this role from his current position," Mr Barnett said.
"In his role as Under Treasurer, Mr Marney has gained an in-depth understanding of the health system and health reform initiatives. He also held responsibility for the State Government's procurement agency, led the Government's Economic Audit and subsequent reform of non-government service delivery.
"Mr Marney has served on the board of beyondblue since 2008 and has been deputy chair of the board for the past three years. He has been a vocal advocate of mental health issues and has spoken openly of his own experience with depression and anxiety.
"Mr Marney's reputation and depth of experience in the public sector will provide a significant boost to the Mental Health Commission becoming a world class commissioning agency. I am very pleased he has put himself forward for this important role."
Mr Marney will lead the Mental Health Commission's merger with the Drug and Alcohol Office. Announced by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton in April last year, the merger will ensure better integration of the State's network of mental health and drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services.
Mrs Morton thanked Mr Bartnik for his work ensuring consumers and carers had a stronger voice, and the important growth of community support within the sector.
"As the first Mental Health Commissioner, Eddie Bartnik has done an excellent job in establishing the commission and has been a strong public advocate for people with a mental illness," she said.
"Mr Bartnik also established Western Australia's first ever Mental Health Courts and has proven the value of the Mental Health Commission to the State."
Mr Bartnik's valuable experience and skills will be retained within the public sector.
"Mr Marney's position of Under Treasurer will be filled on an acting basis by the Deputy Under Treasurer Michael Barnes, who will continue to support and implement the Government's economic agenda," the Premier said.
Fact File
The State Government established Australia's first ever Mental Health Commission in 2010 to drive reform of the mental health system. This reform has included the development of more community centred supports and services, such as the step-up, step-down services introduced for the first time in Western Australia in January 2013
In the 2013-14 Budget, the State Government committed an unprecedented level of funding for mental health, alcohol and other drug problems, with a record investment of $734million this financial year
In October 2013 the Mental Health Bill was introduced to Parliament. It will increase family and carer involvement and strengthen the rights of people experiencing mental illness
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 6900
