❓ Mr L'Estrange asks about the delayed update to the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan and how it will address concerns about integrated services for comorbidity. The Minister acknowledges the importance of the issue and states the update is imminent, but clarifies there are no plans to revisit illicit drug laws.
AnsweredQoN 80Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
''WESTERN
AUSTRALIAN MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOLAND OTHER DRUG SERVICES PLAN 2015–2025''
— UPDATE
80. Mr S.K. L'ESTRANGE to the Minister for Mental
Health:
I refer to the Chief Psychiatrist's
position on alternative approaches to reducing illicit drug use and its effects
on the community, and his remarks that the attempt at better integration of
mental health and alcohol and other drug services in WA, through the Mental
Health Commission, has not resulted in the delivery of integrated services for
people with comorbidity at the clinical level.
(1) When will the
two-year plan update, due last year, of the ''Western Australian Mental
Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-2025'' be released?
(2) How will the
plan address the concerns of the Chief Psychiatrist?
AUSTRALIAN MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOLAND OTHER DRUG SERVICES PLAN 2015–2025''
— UPDATE
80. Mr S.K. L'ESTRANGE to the Minister for Mental
Health:
I refer to the Chief Psychiatrist's
position on alternative approaches to reducing illicit drug use and its effects
on the community, and his remarks that the attempt at better integration of
mental health and alcohol and other drug services in WA, through the Mental
Health Commission, has not resulted in the delivery of integrated services for
people with comorbidity at the clinical level.
(1) When will the
two-year plan update, due last year, of the ''Western Australian Mental
Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-2025'' be released?
(2) How will the
plan address the concerns of the Chief Psychiatrist?
AnswerView source ↗
I would like to thank the member for
the question.
(1)–(2) This
is obviously a very important issue—the issue of how we deal with
patients with mental health problems presenting with comorbid signs around drug
addiction and abuse. The focus of the Chief Psychiatrist is around issues to do
with compassion and the needs of the acutely mentally ill. I was asked by
representatives of the media on Monday whether, as a result of the Chief
Psychiatrist's commentary, we were planning to revisit the issue of
laws around illicit drugs, so I just want to place it on the record that no, we
are not. I respect the Chief Psychiatrist and the commentary he has made. He
does a great job for the community, making sure that work on the plight and
situation of Western Australians suffering from mental health issues achieves a
high standard at all times. His work and that of the Chief Mental Health
Advocate are very important within our system.
In relation to the other point the
member asked about, the update of the strategy, that is in the final stages of
its production. We are seeking some final consultation around that and its
release beyond that will be imminent.
the question.
(1)–(2) This
is obviously a very important issue—the issue of how we deal with
patients with mental health problems presenting with comorbid signs around drug
addiction and abuse. The focus of the Chief Psychiatrist is around issues to do
with compassion and the needs of the acutely mentally ill. I was asked by
representatives of the media on Monday whether, as a result of the Chief
Psychiatrist's commentary, we were planning to revisit the issue of
laws around illicit drugs, so I just want to place it on the record that no, we
are not. I respect the Chief Psychiatrist and the commentary he has made. He
does a great job for the community, making sure that work on the plight and
situation of Western Australians suffering from mental health issues achieves a
high standard at all times. His work and that of the Chief Mental Health
Advocate are very important within our system.
In relation to the other point the
member asked about, the update of the strategy, that is in the final stages of
its production. We are seeking some final consultation around that and its
release beyond that will be imminent.
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