VMIAC lifts consumer voices in response to legislation, policy, service development and other aspects of the mental health system to ensure it is accountable to them.
We have played a vital role in areas such as:
- Promoting the human rights of consumers and system survivors
- Advocating for better consumer outcomes in the NDIS
- Supporting consumers writing submissions to/or participating in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Disability Royal Commission
WE’RE COMMITTED TO ADVOCATING FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.
As the peak organisation for consumers and survivors in Victoria, VMIAC continually seek to influence government policies and sector practice through systemic advocacy and building mutually beneficial relationships. We use our policy platforms to raise awareness about how the mental health service and related systems impact consumers and the broader community, as well as advise on improvements.
VMIAC welcomes collaboration with other community led organisations such as disability organisations, First Nations Community Controlled Organisations, LGBTIQ peaks and culturally and linguistically diverse led organisations so that the specific needs of consumers with intersecting needs are also reflected in our work. We provide consumer led policy expertise to Government, policy makers, the mental health service sector, accreditation bodies, academics and the wider community to ensure positive policy changes are put into practice on the ground.
The work of VMIAC’s policy team includes:
- Producing policy submissions
- Writing discussion papers and reports
- Undertaking community consultation and surveys
- Participating in collaborative research and providing advice on service evaluation
- Campaigns in the media and social media
- Participation in government committees and other high level advisory groups
- Advocating directly to politicians and ministers on consumer needs
VMIAC policy submissions and platforms
VMIAC Policy Position Papers are positions VMIAC has formed on topics related to the mental health system and the consumer experience.
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #1: Compulsory treatment here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #2: Preventing and responding to violence, abuse and neglect here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #3: Seclusion and Restraint here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #4: Gender Discrimination and Inequality here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #5: Sexual Safety in Psychiatric Inpatient Units here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #6: Police Misconduct and Accountability here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #7: Adherence to Mental Health Laws here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #8: Discrimination & Mental Health here
VMIAC Policy Position Paper #9: OPCAT: Monitoring and safeguarding consumer rights in mental health services here
VMIAC Policy Submissions:
VMIAC Policy Submissions are responses made to consultations based on experiences consumers share with us or on our experiences supporting them.
- Response to “A New Act to Replace the Disability Services (February 2023)
- Submission to the National Draft Strategy to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination (February 2023)
- Submission to the Better Access Initiative Forum – Consumer Priorities (January 2023)
- Private Congregate Care Alliance (October 2022)
- Letter to the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment regarding their visit to Australia and Victorian mental Health facilities (September 2022)
- Submission to the Standing Committee Inquiry into General Issues Around the Implementation of the NDIS (March 2022)
- Regulation and Oversight of the Mental Health System – VMIAC policy platform (2022)
- Submission to the Productivity Commission (January 2020)
- Response to the Interim Report from the Royal Commission into Mental Health (November 2019)
- Submission to the Royal Commission into Mental Health (July 2019)
- Submission to the Royal Commission into Mental Health (Terms of reference, January 2019)
- Act 1986” Consultation Paper