Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Management of Statewide Mental Health Services has taken a very important step towards improving staff wellbeing by conducting the organisation’s first resilience scan.
As a Government, we are committed to improving the mental health of all Tasmanians and it is vital that those who work on the frontline of this critical area are well supported themselves.
We recognise that the work undertaken by the staff of Statewide Mental Health Services is often very demanding and it is greatly valued by the Government and the wider community.
The results of the resilience scan reflect the passion and dedication of our workers in the mental health sector and, while the scan has highlighted some areas of concern, it has also allowed management greater insights into the challenges faced by the workforce.
These insights have already led to immediate action being taken to directly engage with staff to ensure they are better supported and to improve management practices.
This will include the introduction of a trial wellbeing program to support Mental Health Services staff as part of the $5 million One Health Cultural Improvement Program which was committed to in the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget.
The scan results also reinforce the importance of the current implementation of a new governance structure, and the executive team has already taken responsibility for modelling and communicating more transparent practices.
This is an excellent proactive step that can only help improve the organisation.
The results of the scan will also inform the ongoing implementation of the extensive Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program, which was allocated $8.8 million in the 2021 Budget.
Statewide Mental Health Services management appreciates that there is more work to be done to strengthen their workforce and enhance their culture.
Listening to the voices of staff, as they are doing through this resilience scan, demonstrates a real commitment to improvement and the Tasmanian Government has given this process its full support.
