- Published:
- Wednesday 13 July 2022
The Andrews Labor Government has today opened submissions for providers to run the new Statewide Trauma Service (STS) – a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health system.
Traumatic events and experiences can lead to a wide range of mental health and wellbeing difficulties, and the STS will help embed trauma-informed practice in our new mental health and wellbeing system – delivering better outcomes for Victorians living with the experience of trauma.
The STS will bring together mental health practitioners, trauma experts, peer workers and people with lived experience with the immediate priorities of:
- developing a research agenda to address knowledge gaps in trauma practice
- embedding trauma informed practice across the wider mental health and wellbeing system
- creating a workforce strategy for new specialist trauma practitioners, who will provide tailored and holistic treatment, care, and support.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 provided funding of $1.3 billion for mental health and wellbeing, building on last year’s record investment of $3.8 billion – the largest single investment in mental health in Victoria’s history.
Work is already underway on more than ninety per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations as the state continues its 10-year journey to reform Victoria’s mental health system.
The Royal Commission called for an application process to select the provider to establish and operate the STS.
Applicants will need to apply in the form of a consortium partnership with the appropriate range of experiences and competencies to ensure genuine, collaborative partnerships with a diversity of stakeholders.
The Department of Health will fund and work with the appointed consortium to develop the foundations of the STS. To apply visit: tenders.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams
“We’re taking the recommendations of the Royal Commission seriously, and the Statewide Trauma Service is one more way we are delivering on them.”
“This service will bring together the best this state has to offer in trauma-related mental health care and expertise.”
“Recognising the effect trauma can have on mental health care is essential to providing all Victorians with the support and care they need.”