Image: NSW Mental Health Commissioner Jennifer Black.
By Ayumi Honda
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson has appointed Jennifer Black, the CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, as the new Mental Health Commissioner of New South Wales.
Ms. Black has over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy, policy development, and service reform in many parts of the mental health service system including public, private, NGO, and government.
“I am looking forward to meeting the team at the Commission, building on the great work they are doing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of NSW, “Black told CityHub.
“I’m also keen to get out and about and meet with the many and varied stakeholders of the Commission, to understand the challenges they face and the priorities they have for improvement and reform.”
NSW Mental Health Commission Under The Scanner
During her four-year work as a CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, she has advocated for collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and the community to improve mental health services across Queensland.
Black has also held some key roles in Victoria, including Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner and the Executive Director of Mental Health and Drugs and Alcohol Services for Barwon Health. As Victorian Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner, she helped improve accountability and transparency in the mental health system. Similarly, she experienced systematic reform and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges at the Victorian Ombudsman’s office.
The Mental Health Commission of NSW was established to promote collaboration among public agencies to provide comprehensive services for those with mental illness. In her tenure, she is expected to enhance the Commission’s leadership in improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the state by strengthening mental health services and policies in NSW.
Last year, the commission faced internal difficulties as they scored the lowest at the People Matters NSW Public Sector Employee Survey. Subsequently, SafeWork NSW criticised the commission for failing to offer psychological safety in its own workplace, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Black may be also tasked with addressing these workplace issues. Her five-year tenure will begin on Monday, October 14, 2024.
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