Deputy Premier James Merlino has been named to replace Martin Foley as Minister for Mental Health in Victoria. We’re extremely excited by this replacement, hoping that mental health will take a real priority in our state’s government.
Premier Dan Andrews spoke to the decision: “Rebuilding our mental health system is one of our most important priorities. It’s why I’ve asked Deputy Premier James Merlino to take charge of this reform and deliver on every one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission.”
The Premier’s online statement declared that the work of rebuilding our mental health system matters more than ever and that is why the Deputy Premier James Merlino will take the lead in one of the Government’s signature reforms as Minister for Mental Health, in addition to his responsibilities in Education.
The Deputy Premier will lead the work for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System next year, delivering each and every one of the Commission’s recommendations as ‘we overhaul a broken system.’
Read more about the cabinet reshuffle here.