Former Health Minister and Attorney General, Jim McGinty (pictured) is to head a new taskforce to oversee the development of future purpose-fit mental health services.
The new taskforce has been set up to consider planning and investment decisions regarding the Graylands Hospital site, forensics services and the nearby Selby Older Adult Mental Health Service.
Its work will align with the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-2025, which highlighted the need for these services to be decommissioned, divested and replaced with contemporary infrastructure and services.
Graylands Hospital is the State’s only stand-alone public psychiatric teaching hospital that provides forensic services, acute care, treatment and rehabilitation for adults.
The taskforce will also oversee the planning and development of replacement services that meet the needs of Western Australians living with mental illness now and into the future.
Chaired by Mr McGinty, the taskforce also includes Michael Andrews ( Acting Executive Director Strategic Policy and Evaluation, Department of Treasury ); Debora Colvin (Chief Mental Health Advocate); Rachael Green ( Acting Deputy Director General, Community Services, Department of Communities ); Angela Kelly ( Acting Deputy Director General, Recovery Implementation and State Services, Department of the Premier and Cabinet ); Jennifer McGrath (Commissioner, Mental Health Commission); David Russell-Weisz (Director General, Department of Health), and Adam Tomison (Director General, Department of Justice).
In order to take on his new role, Mr McGinty has stepped down from chairing the Board of the North Metropolitan Health Service where he has been replaced by David Forbes, who has been Deputy Chair since 2018.
