Sydney — Rose Jackson, the Minister for Mental Health, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Black as the new Mental Health Commissioner of New South Wales (NSW). Black, who is currently the CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, will assume the role starting Monday, October 14, 2024.
With over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy, policy development, and service reform, Black brings extensive expertise to the position. Her career spans various sectors including public, private, non-governmental, and government organizations. Notably, as CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Black championed collaborative efforts among government agencies, service providers, and the community to enhance mental health services across Queensland.
In addition to her Queensland role, Black has held significant positions in Victoria, including Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner and Executive Director of Mental Health and Drugs and Alcohol Services for Barwon Health. Her work in Victoria focused on improving accountability and transparency within the mental health system and advocating for individuals with mental health challenges at the Victorian Ombudsman’s office.
The NSW Mental Health Commission was established to foster collaboration among public agencies and deliver comprehensive services for those with mental illness. Black is expected to advance the Commission’s leadership in enhancing mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the state, with a particular focus on strengthening mental health services and policies in NSW.
The Commission has faced challenges in recent years, including scoring the lowest in the People Matters NSW Public Sector Employee Survey last year. SafeWork NSW also criticized the Commission for failing to ensure psychological safety within its workplace, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. Black will be tasked with addressing these internal issues as part of her role.
Black’s five-year term as Mental Health Commissioner will begin on October 14, 2024.
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