Statements of Priorities are key accountability agreements between Government and Victorian publicly funded entities, including health, mental health and ambulance services.
The content and process for preparation and agreement of the annual Statement of Priorities is consistent with section 666 of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (the Act). This Act replaced the previous Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2021 on 1 September 2023. Under section 666(1) of the Act, the Board will prepare the Statement of Priorities in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Health.
A Statement of Priorities consists of four main parts:
- Part A provides an overview of mission, purpose, objectives, principles and functions the Collaborative Centre service will achieve in the year ahead
- Part B lists the performance priorities and agreed targets and indicators
- Part C lists funding and any associated activity
- Part D forms the service agreement between the Collaborative Centre and the state of Victoria.
The responsibility for performance monitoring of the Collaborative Centre sits with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division within the Department of Health.
The Victorian Government commits to publish Statements of Priorities in November each year.
The Act requires that the Collaborative Centre give a copy of the Statement of Priorities to the Minister for Mental Health by 1 October each year and an annual report to the Minister for Mental Health as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, which is to be provided to the Victorian Parliament.Statements of Priorities are key accountability agreements between Government and Victorian publicly funded health, mental health and ambulance services.
A fact sheet summarising our 2023-24 Statement of Priorities can be found below:
Statement of Priorities Fact Sheet(opens in a new window)PDF 418.28 KBVictorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
666 Statement of priorities
(1) The Centre Board, in consultation with the Health Secretary, must prepare a statement of priorities for the Centre for each financial year.
(2) The Centre Board must give a copy of the statement of priorities to the Minister for approval on or before 1 October in each year.
(3) If the Centre Board and the Minister do not agree on a statement of priorities on or before 1 October, the Minister may make a statement of priorities for the financial year.
(4) A statement of priorities must specify—
- (a) the services to be provided by the Centre and the funds to be provided to the Centre; and
- (b) the objectives, priorities and key performance outcomes to be met by the Centre; and
- (c) the performance indicators, targets or other measures against which the Centre's performance is to be assessed and monitored; and
- (d) how and when the Centre must report to the Minister and the Secretary on its performance in relation to the specified objectives, priorities and key performance outcomes; and
- (e) such other matters as are—
- (i) agreed by the Minister and the Board; or
- (ii) determined by the Minister.
(5) A statement of priorities may be amended at any time if the Board and the Minister agree.
(6) If the Board and the Minister fail to agree to a proposed amendment of a statement of priorities within 28 days after the amendment is proposed, the Minister may—
- (a) amend the statement of priorities; or
- (b) refuse to the amend the statement of priorities.
(7) The Minister may publish the statement of priorities on the Department's website.
Our Purpose
The Collaborative Centre will drive ground-breaking change to Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system, so that people receive mental health and wellbeing support when, where and how they may want it.
We're committed to doing things differently to effect real change. We:
- champion lived and living experience leadership
- develop mental health services that are safe, effective, timely and compassionate
- put the evidence of lived experience at the centre of all our work
- partner and collaborate with individuals, services and organisations with diverse experiences to create better care, treatment and support
- are unapologetically ambitious: we challenge assumptions, ask bold questions and set an innovative research agenda for impact
- connect the evidence of lived experience, service provision and research to make care more person-centred and compassionate and people's outcomes more effective and evidence informed
- commit to transparency in all we do: we communicate openly, invite feedback, listen and respond
- support continuous learning to do better - again and again
Our Functions
Our functions are set out in section 643 of the Act.
Our functions are to:
- lead exemplary practice for partnership, leadership and participation with people with lived and living experiences and their families, carers and supporters
- lead, conduct or collaborate on inclusive research into new treatments and models of care and support
- collaborate to deliver best-practice multidisciplinary treatment, care and support to adults and older adults
- translate existing research and the evidence of lived experience into better treatment, care and support
- gather and share evidence about what makes treatment, care and support more effective
- set the agenda for new interdisciplinary research that has real-world impact
- coordinate and strengthen statewide services, including collaborating to deliver a new statewide trauma service
- drive statewide change to create an adaptive and more integrated mental health and wellbeing system
- support the development of a highly skilled and diverse multi-disciplinary workforce
- promote a system-wide culture of collaboration, inquiry, innovation and learning
- advocate for policy change to transform mental health care.
Our Principles
In accordance with section 645 of the Act, the Board, executives and staff of the Collaborative Centre will adhere to the following principles when performing functions or duties, or exercise powers under the Act:
(a) give proper consideration to the mental health and wellbeing principles;
(b) ensure that decision-making processes are transparent, systematic and appropriate; and
(c) consider ways to promote good mental health and wellbeing.
The mental health and wellbeing principles are set out in Part 1.5 of the Act, and include the following:
- Mental health and wellbeing principles
- Dignity and autonomy principle
- Diversity of care principle
- Least restrictive principle
- Supported decision making principle
- Family and carers principle
- Lived experience principle
- Health needs principle
- Dignity of risk principle
- Wellbeing of young people principle
- Diversity principle
- Gender safety principle
- Cultural safety principle
- Wellbeing of dependents principle
The board, executives and staff of the Collaborative Centre will consider these principles throughout all of their work.
Intended outcomes
Establishment priorities will focus on activities and outputs in 2023-24 in line with the purpose and functions listed above.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (the Royal Commission) specified the development of a new outcomes framework to drive collective responsibility and accountability for mental health and wellbeing outcomes and improve the outcomes and experiences of consumers, families, carers and supporters. This was combined with Recommendation 49 which outlined the development of a new performance monitoring and accountability framework. The new integrated outcomes and performance framework has been designed in partnership with people with lived and living experience and other stakeholders from across the system for release in late 2023.
Once the outcomes and performance framework has been released, monitoring under the Collaborative Centre’s annual Statement of Priorities will align with the framework.
The Collaborative Centre has begun implementing an outcomes and evaluation monitoring approach throughout its first year of operation that it will continue to develop
Performance priorities are divided into five categories:
- partnerships and service improvement
- embedding lived experience
- research
- workforce capability and development
- continuing operational establishment.
Where performance measures relate to recommendations of the Royal Commission, these are noted in the tables below (i.e. “Rec 63.1.a”)
This section of the Statement of Priorities intends to meet the requirements of sections 666(4)(b) and (c), pertaining to the specification of objectives priorities and key performance outcomes to be met by the Collaborative Centre, as well as performance indicators, targets or other measures against which the Centre’s performance is to be assessed and monitored.
This list of performance priorities should be considered in conjunction with the functions of the Collaborative Centre, as laid out in section 643 of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.
1. Partnerships and service improvement
Objectives
Here we work towards:
- collaborating to deliver best-practice multidisciplinary treatment, care and support to adults and older adults
- fostering collaboration and connection across services, organisations, communities and government bodies in order to drive improvements to treatment, care and support across the mental health and wellbeing system.
Legislated functions
These priorities relate to the following functions of the Collaborative Centre under the Act:
- section643(a)- to provide, promote and coordinate the provision of mental health and wellbeing services;
- section 643(b)- to assist service providers to facilitate and improve access to mental health and wellbeing services; and
section 643(c)- to provide or arrange the provision of specialist support services and care for persons who have experienced trauma.
Priority Performance indicator 1.1 - Implementing the Adult and Older Adult Best Practice Consortium
- Working with health service partner to plan for delivering treatment, care and/or support at a co-located site
- Planning for how the Collaborative Centre will fulfil its legislated function to ‘provide, promote and coordinate mental health and wellbeing services’.
- Developing existing partnerships, including with the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), Tandem, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the Victorian Multicultural Commission
- Setting up new partnerships and relationships, including with organisations involved in the delivery of mental health research and services, Commonwealth and national bodies, and others to be determined.
- Formalising a relationship with the Statewide Trauma Service.
- Adult and Older Adult Best Practice Consortium implemented:
- agreements entered into with each Lead Partner in accordance with section 646 of the Act, with approval from the Minister and a public announcement (completed at time of publication)
- clear governance and advisory structures agreed and implemented that bring together lived experience, academic and service delivery perspectives
- workplan developed with input from all Consortium members and other Collaborative Centre partners and stakeholders
- service delivery and academic partner representatives inducted to the Board (pending appointment by the Governor-in-Council)
- reporting arrangements to the Department of Health via the Collaborative Centre determined.
- Once interim site selected, planning with clinical partner for the design and delivery of services that are suitable from the chosen location.
- Plan for the Collaborative Centre’s future role in supporting and coordinating statewide services has been agreed between the Centre and the Department of Health.
- Partnership framework and Collaborative Charter agreed and implemented.
- Formal relationship developed between the Statewide Trauma Service and Collaborative Centre.
- Work underway with the Statewide Trauma Service and the Department of Health to determine how the two entities will inter-operate in the future. This plan considers future governance arrangements, co-location and alignment of functions.
2. Embedding lived experience
Objectives
Here we work towards:
- leading exemplary practice for partnership, leadership and participation with people with lived and living experiences and their families, carers and supporters.
Legislated functions
These priorities relate to the mental health and wellbeing principles as set out in Part 1.5 of the Act.
2.1 - Launching and implementing the Collaborative Centre’s Lived Experience Framework.
- In line with the framework, embedding Lived Experience perspectives effectively across the Collaborative Centre’s functions.
- In line with the framework, developing internal culture, processes and structures that demonstrate exemplary recruitment, employment, retention and recognition of lived experience staff (consumer and carer perspectives).
- Lived Experience Framework developed and implementation commenced with input from diverse people with lived and living experiences.
- The Lived Experience Framework outlines how the Collaborative Centre will:
- attract, onboard and support its lived experience staff members
- embed lived experience within its governance and advisory structures
- support lived experience partnership, leadership and participation in the true spirit of collaboration for all of its research, capacity building and system improvement activities.
3. Research
Objectives
Here we work towards:
- setting the agenda for new interdisciplinary research that has real-world impact
- leading, conducting or collaborating on research into new treatments and models of care and support
- translating existing research and evidence, including the evidence of lived experience, into better treatment, care and support
- gathering and sharing evidence about what makes treatment, care and support more effective.
Legislated functions
These priorities relate to the following functions of the Collaborative Centre under the Act:
- section 643(b)- to assist service providers to facilitate and improve access to mental health and wellbeing services;
- section 643(d)- to develop strategies for conducting research, and applying and disseminating research findings, in the field of mental health and wellbeing having regard to any priorities for research determined by the Centre Board in accordance with section 648(f);
- section 643(e)- to conduct, promote and coordinate research in the field of mental health and wellbeing, including in collaboration with other persons and entities; and
- section 643(g)- to provide advice and guidance to service providers and practitioners in relation to the provision of mental health and wellbeing services.
3.1 - Launching the Collaborative Centre’s first research strategy, in line with reform priorities identified by the Royal Commission.
- Developing an action plan outlining how the Collaborative Centre will implement the research strategy.
- Evaluating and monitoring the Collaborative Centre.
- Research strategy approved by the Board and made publicly available (Rec 63.1.b).
- The research strategy:
- reflects priorities identified by the Royal Commission and which have been determined by the Board in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Health, in accordance with section 648(f) of the Act; and
- reflects input from people with lived experiences (consumer and carers), the mental health workforce, academics and other diverse stakeholders within the mental health and wellbeing sector.
- Action plan provided to the Department of Health with an overview of initiatives that will be delivered under the research strategy to ensure alignment of work.
- Final report for developmental evaluation completed.
3.2 - Implementing translational research initiatives that will improve mental health treatment, care and support in line with the research strategy.
- Designing the Centre’s ongoing ‘sharing what works’ operating model, including:
- designing a network of academic service leaders in line with the Royal Commission’s vision
- creating a model for how translation and dissemination activities will interrelate to deliver real impact.Undertake budget planning including providing input to support the development of business cases for further funding in partnership with the Department of Health as required.
- Translational research initiatives underway that seek to improve mental health treatment, care and support (Rec 63.1.a). Initiatives are delivered by the Collaborative Centre, through the Adult and Older Adult Best Practice Consortium and/or through other partners.
- Details of each initiative provided to the Department of Health, including timelines, research outputs and intended outcomes.
- Design project started that will deliver a clear scope and operating model for research translation and dissemination, including the academic network. The project will consider options for scaling up operations for enduring and state-wide impact (Rec 63.1.c, e and f).
- Plan for the Collaborative Centre’s future role in delivering a service-level research network agreed with the Department of Health (Rec 63.1c).
3.3 - Setting up the clearing house function including:
- designing parameters and requirements
- starting a research scan
- sharing outputs from research.
- Clear scope determined for the clearing house function, including parameters for guidance and evidence, requirements and intended outputs and outcomes (Rec 63.1.e).
- Initial dissemination function is live (Rec 63.1.e).
- Plan in place for further development of the clearing house that details project timelines and future resourcing needs (Rec 63.1.e).
4. Workforce capability and development
Objectives
Here we work towards:
- gathering and sharing evidence about what makes treatment, care and support more effective
- supporting the development of a highly skilled and diverse multi-disciplinary workforce.
Legislated functions
These priorities relate to the following functions of the Collaborative Centre under the Act:
- section 643(f)- to provide, promote and coordinate activities that support the continuing education and professional development of service providers and persons who work or conduct research in the field of mental health and wellbeing; and
- section 643(g)- to provide advice and guidance to service providers and practitioners in relation to the provision of mental health and wellbeing services.
4.1 - Delivering events, forums or webinars as part of a sector learning and engagement program in line with the research strategy that reaches service providers, people with lived and living experiences and academics.
- Designing the Collaborative Centre’s future capability operating model, including scope, intended outcomes, activities, resourcing and planning for implementation.
- Proposed schedule of sector engagement (linked to the research strategy once it is published) provided to the Department of Health to ensure alignment of work.
- Delivery of public engagement in line with the schedule (Rec 63.1.d).
- Design project commenced to deliver a clear scope and operating model for the capability function. The project will consider options for scaling up operations for enduring and state-wide impact (Rec 63.1.d).
- Plan for the Collaborative Centre’s future role in capability has been agreed with the Department of Health.
5. Continuing operational establishment
Objectives
Here we work towards delivering effective operations, including strong leadership, clear and transparent communications, engagement and consultation, and compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and public expectations.
Legislated functions
These priorities relate to the following functions of the Collaborative Centre under the Act:
- section 643(h)- to report to the Minister and the Secretary on matters relevant to its functions; and
- section 643(i)- to perform any other function conferred on the Centre by or under this Act or any other Act.
5.1 - Launching the Collaborative Centre’s first three-year strategic plan, in accordance with the requirements of section 667 of the Act.
- Appointing Co-CEOs in accordance with section 659 of the Act.
- Selecting and fitting out an interim site close to health and academic partners, as well as early planning for a long-term site.
- Establishing digital platforms for accessible communications and meaningful engagement, including a website and stakeholder management system.
- Reporting to the Minister for Mental Health and Department of Health as required, and in accordance with sections 669 and 670 of the Act.
- Strategic Plan approved by Minister and published.
- Co-CEOs appointed by the Chairperson in consultation with the Board and with the approval of the Minister.
- Interim site proximate to health and academic partners selected and fit-out commenced. Timing permitting, operations have commenced in the interim site.
- Early planning commenced to consider long-term site.
- A new website has been launched with an approved stand-alone brand.
- The Collaborative Centre has acquitted its reporting requirements with the Department of Health as outlined in Part C of this Statement of Priorities.
Funding Budget ($ 000s) Mental Health and Wellbeing Division Ongoing funding through the 2021-22 State Budget for the establishment of the Collaborative Centre $4,237,000 Funding through the 2023-24 State Budget for design and delivery of additional operations in line with Recommendation 63 of the Royal Commission $7,929,000 Health Infrastructure Division Funding through the 2023-24 State Budget for interim site fit out $1,100,000 Total funding $13,266,000 Accountability and funding requirements
The Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing will comply with:
- All laws applicable to it;
- Policies and procedures and appropriate internal controls to ensure accurate and timely submission of data to the Department of Health
- Any applicable policies and guidelines issued by the Department of Health to the Collaborative Centre from time to time, as notified by the Department to the Centre; Relevant standards for programs which have been adopted e.g. International Organisation for Standardisation standards and AS/NZS 4801:2001, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems or an equivalent standard.
Reporting requirements
The Collaborative Centre will report as follows on its performance in relation to the objectives, priorities, performance outcomes and performance measures in Part B:
- Meet at least quarterly with the Department of Health to provide an update on progress;
- Meet with the Minister for Mental Health at a frequency determined by the Minister;
- Provide a written report to the Department of Health on priorities and performance measures for the financial year as soon as practicable after 30 June 2024 (format to be determined by the Department of Health);
- Complete annual reporting in line with the Act and any other applicable legislation; and
- Reasonable additional reporting and communication to be determined by the Department of Health.
The Minister and the chair of the board agree that funding will be provided to the Collaborative Centre to enable the centre to meet its establishment priorities and performance requirements as outlined in this Statement of Priorities.
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