Peak body welcomes Bartnik to NDIA

The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) today welcomed the appointment of former WA Mental Health Commissioner Eddie Bartnik to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as their new strategic advisor on mental health.

“This announcement is great news. It indicates that the Federal Government is taking psychosocial disability very seriously, in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Frank Quinlan, CEO of the MHCA said.

“Psychosocial disability is a complex issue. For some time we have recognised that considerable work needs to be done to ensure there is clear and consistent practice around psychosocial disability within the context of the NDIS.

“Eddie Bartnik has extensive experience both in mental health and disability, especially through his recent work as the WA Mental Health Commissioner. His knowledge and experience represents a significant opportunity to work through some of the pressing issues with the design of the Scheme, in conjunction with the mental health sector.

“We look forward to working with him in his new role ensuring better outcomes for consumers and carers, to make certain they have genuine choice and control over the services they need.

“In particular we are focussed on addressing important issues like eligibility, recovery frameworks and service provision for people who live with a debilitating mental illness and those who care for them.

“This Scheme represents a vital plank in our mission to co-design the best mental health system in the world, so it’s important we get this right from the start.”

MHCA is the peak non-government body representing the mental health sector in Australia. Our vision is for mentally healthy people and mentally healthy communities.