Jennifer Black has been appointed as the new Mental Health Commissioner. With over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy, policy development, and service reform, she will lead the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales in its efforts to improve mental health outcomes across the state.
The Commission, an independent statutory agency, works with government and communities to ensure accessible mental health support, particularly for those at risk. Central to its mission is amplifying the voices of individuals with lived mental health experiences and their families.
Ms. Black previously served as CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, where she championed greater collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and the community to improve mental health services across Queensland.
In addition, Ms. Black held leadership roles as the Victorian Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner, to help improve accountability and transparency in the mental health system, and she was seconded to the Victorian Ombudsman’s office, focusing on systemic reform and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Her appointment is expected to bolster the Commission’s leadership in improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the state by strengthening mental health services and policies in NSW, ensuring that people have access to the support they need during times of distress.
Ms. Black will begin her role as Mental Health Commissioner on Monday, October 14, 2024.
About the Mental Health Commission of NSW
Established under the Mental Health Commission Act 2012, the Commission promotes collaboration among public agencies to provide comprehensive services for those with mental illness, reporting directly to the Minister for Mental Health.
