Mental Health Australia welcomes appointment of new Deputy Chief Medical Officer for mental health

Mental Health Australia has today welcomed the appointment of Associate Professor Dr Ruth Vine as Australia’s first Deputy Chief Medical Officer for mental health.

Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley says the appointment of Dr Vine is a clear indicator of how mental health is being prioritised by all governments during the current coronavirus pandemic.

“As a former chief psychiatrist for Victoria, Dr Vine is highly regarded within the mental health sector and will be a huge asset at a national level,” said Dr Beagley.

“We know the risks and have started to see the signs of increased mental ill health during this pandemic.”

“Having Dr Vine working alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy and Ms Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, means mental health services and policy will be front of mind as we continue to plan our way through and out of this pandemic and its far reaching impacts.”

“On a personal level, and having worked with Ruth for over 20 years, I know her commitment to people with lived experience of mental illness and their families is one of her many strengths. At Mental Health Australia we are looking forward to close collaborative work over the coming weeks and months to respond to the challenges we face as a nation in strengthening our response to people struggling with their mental health.”

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