Mental Health Commission

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:47): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. How does the minister reconcile the evidence he gave to the estimates hearing when he said there would be a full-time mental health commissioner with a job ad for the mental health commissioner which states that there will only be part-time positions available?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:47): The government is committed to refreshing and strengthening the Mental Health Commission. The initial preference was for one full-time and two part-time commissioners but feedback suggested that securing good candidates would be best facilitated by offering the roles on a part-time basis. A key goal is to engage the voice of lived experience. Providing for part-time commissioners maximises our flexibility in making the roles manageable for more people—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: A point of order, Mr President: some of us in the chamber are interested in mental health issues. I would like to hear the answer and I can't hear it because of the noise from the other side.

The PRESIDENT: Can the opposition benches restrain themselves and allow the minister to answer?

The Hon. S.G. WADE: As I indicated, the key goal of the process of strengthening the Mental Health Commission is to engage the voice of lived experience. Providing for part-time commissioners maximises our flexibility in making the roles manageable for more people, particularly consumers and carers. The government may appoint one of the members of the commission on a full-time basis, if that helps secure the right people and create the best mix of skills and expertise. Labor neglected the commission and it now criticises the Marshall Liberal government as we strengthen it.