❓ Opposition asks about the resignation of Dr. John Franklyn from the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, implying a lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and the Minister. The Minister responds with praise for Dr. Franklyn and explains his departure as a planned transition to experts with more technical knowledge.
AnsweredQoN 378Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MINISTERIAL COUNCIL FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION — RESIGNATION OF DR JOHN FRANKLYN
I refer to Dr John Franklyn, OAM, and his position as chairman of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. (1) Can the minister confirm that Dr Franklyn notified the board last week of his resignation? (2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON
I refer to Dr John Franklyn, OAM, and his position as chairman of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. (1) Can the minister confirm that Dr Franklyn notified the board last week of his resignation? (2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(1) Can the minister confirm that Dr Franklyn notified the board last week of his resignation? (2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(1) Can the minister confirm that Dr Franklyn notified the board last week of his resignation? (2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(2) When was the minister notified about the resignation? (3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(3) Will the minister provide reasons for the resignation of Dr Franklyn; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(4) Will the minister confirm that this is yet another sign of the lack of confidence in the Mental Health Commission and in the minister’s own performance? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: (1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
(1)–(4) I really appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about John Franklyn, because he is a fantastic guy. Let me tell members about John Franklyn. At one stage he was the chairman of Lifeline WA, and did a fantastic job in that position. When we were establishing the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention we thought, “Who in this state would have such a good overview of suicide prevention that we could actually ask that person to come on board and assist with establishing the process for suicide prevention and rolling it out in the state?” Of course, our minds immediately went to John Franklyn. John is a semi-retired gentleman who, as I said, was the chair of the Lifeline board. Over the years John has made a substantial commitment to the community and community services and, in particular, to suicide prevention in this state. He did an absolutely fantastic job in supporting the development of the strategy and helping us to get it up in the way that it is currently written. He assisted us when we brought on a non-government organisation, Centrecare, to undertake the legwork of the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention. He was heavily involved in helping to assist Centrecare to bed down its role and its strategies in undertaking the work of rolling out the suicide prevention strategy. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : So why has he gone? Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Hon HELEN MORTON : If the member waits, she will hear. Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
Of course, he also had a significant role and was incredibly patient, diligent and comprehensive in developing, against enormous pressures, all of the foundation work that had to be undertaken to roll out the strategy. Many people on this side of the house have a copy of the suicide prevention strategy package—I am making an offer to people on the other side of the house—and I know that some members opposite have already taken those packages. That is the work that John Franklin did in assisting to develop the foundation work for the suicide prevention strategy. As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
As I commenced the rollout of the strategy and we were bringing to the ministerial council people who had more technical knowledge, in-depth understanding and national and international experience around suicide prevention, John came and spoke to me. About three weeks ago he said to me, “I think you might be better off putting one of those people at the front to lead some of this work.” I really appreciate his very keen understanding of what this strategy needs, the work that he set up over the last two years and his really clear appreciation of what it needs to take the strategy forward to the next stage. In discussions with me, John provided me with a copy of his resignation in writing, which I reluctantly accepted, and I am currently in the process of seeking an alternative.
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