Membership of mental health taskforce announced

15/3/95

Health Minister Graham Kierath has announced the composition of the Ministerial Taskforce which will examine mental health in Western Australia.

The 18-member taskforce, personally chaired by the Minister, comprises:

Mr Keith Wilson

Mr Tony Fowke

Mrs Anne White

Dr Tim Lambert

Dr Jeremy Hyde

Dr Rowan Davidson

Dr Sandy Tait

Dr Carolyn Graham

Mr David Norton.

Professor Peter Burvill

Hon Derrick Tomlinson MLC

Mrs Helen Morton

Dr Hugh Cook

Dr Nadine Caunt

Dr Paul Skerritt

Mr Neil Booth

Mr John Casson

"I am indebted to these people for agreeing to give up their time to help tackle the complex problem of mental health in WA," Mr Kierath said.

"While I am aware that there are many people and groups who are involved in the issue, I have selected people on the basis of those I think can make a contribution to solving the problems, not on the basis of representation of any group or sector of the mental health industry.

"I have been delighted with the many letters I have received which are most supportive of the approach to the problems of mental health.

"There have been numerous offers of help and I intend that the taskforce will take submissions from many of these groups and organisations.

"This will give them direct access to the taskforce and myself.

"As the chairman, I will be responsible for ensuring that the focus of the group is to determine the reasons for the problems which exist and then identify solutions, regardless of the various secular interests which may be represented on the taskforce.

"Many of the problems in the system are deep-seated and have existed for many years and I do not expect there to be any easy solutions.

"I remain confident that the taskforce approach is the most comprehensive and effective way to provide a blueprint for the future management of mental health - a blueprint which the Government can then use to make change.

"At the end of the process, the primary aim is to ensure the patients come first and get the help they need."

Media contact : Brian Coulter  222 9595 / 481 2133