Kids’ mental health unit shut as staff investigated for use of force

Elizabeth Young, mother of one of six victims of the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing, has expressed deep skepticism over the New South Wales government’s response to the coronial inquiry into the incident. The government announced this week that it supports 11 of the 13 recommendations made by the coroner following a five-week inquest into the deaths of Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir, Jade Young, Pikria Darchia, Dawn Singleton, and Ashlee Good, all killed by Joel Cauchi during a psychotic episode. However, Elizabeth Young and several peak mental health organizations argue that the government has not committed to concrete actions necessary to prevent future tragedies. Two of the coronial recommendations, modeling short-term accommodation for individuals with mental health issues and homelessness in Greater Sydney, and reviewing the NSW Ambulance’s major incident response plan, were supported in principle but not explicitly committed to by the government. Groups such as BEING Mental Health, Mental Health Carers NSW, the Mental Health Coordinating Council, and the Australian Society of Psychiatrists have criticized the lack of tangible steps to implement the findings. These organizations claim the government has withheld a critical report detailing gaps in mental health funding. Elizabeth Young described the government’s approach as “cynical.” She noted that her daughter’s death coincided with nearly 50 years of political inaction on mental health issues. While acknowledging the acceptance of 11 recommendations, she questioned whether the government would follow through on meaningful change. “I’m fairly skeptical about what will actually be done in the practical sense,” she said. Pramudie Gunaratne, chief executive of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, criticized the government for merely supporting recommendations in principle rather than committing to real reform. She warned that continued inaction could lead to another tragedy. “We’ve already seen how the years of inaction have resulted in a tragedy, and even after that tragedy, if nothing concrete happens… then it’s a ticking time bomb waiting for another tragedy to occur,” she said. Giancarlo de Vera, CEO of BEING Mental Health, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for the government to translate its goodwill into concrete commitments. He argued that “goodwill is just a promise on paper” and that structural issues identified in the coronial inquest must be addressed immediately. Opposition leader Kellie Sloane has urged the government to release the report on mental health funding gaps and address the “enormous strain” on the system. She accused the state Labor government of a pattern of commissioning reports and then withholding details. “We are in a world of pain if this isn’t addressed properly,” Sloane said. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged the need for increased support for individuals with complex mental illnesses. She stated that the government is working on releasing a gap analysis report and collaborating with the Mental Health Alliance to finalize it. However, critics remain unconvinced that these efforts will lead to substantial changes. In a separate development, a children’s mental health unit at a major Melbourne hospital has been temporarily closed due to allegations of bullying and the use of force against young patients. Five staff members have been stood down pending an internal investigation. The unit, which treats children under 13 with severe mental health conditions, has suspended admissions and is referring families to other facilities. A hospital spokesperson confirmed that the allegations are being taken seriously and that ensuring patient safety remains the top priority. The Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria have been informed of the allegations, and mandatory notifications have been sent to the Commission for Children and Young People. A state government spokesperson condemned the allegations as “disturbing and completely unacceptable.” The affected unit provides acute mental health services for children up to 12 years old, typically staying for two to four weeks with a parent or caregiver. With five staff members removed, the unit cannot function at its usual capacity. Patients requiring urgent care will still be assessed and referred to alternative care pathways. Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt addressed concerns raised by former chief psychiatrist Patrick McGorry regarding the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. She confirmed that a new chair had been appointed and that discussions had occurred with Dr Leanne Geppert, the service’s CEO, who resides in Queensland. Stitt emphasized the importance of clinical governance and leadership within the organization. Stitt denied claims that the government had interfered with an independent report on Victoria’s progress in mental health reforms. She stated that the initial version of the report was an early draft and that the department had provided “factual and technical feedback” prior to its release. This characterization has been disputed by three senior mental health figures, who fear repercussions from the government if they speak openly about the report’s delay. Opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy criticized the government for avoiding scrutiny of a system funded by Victorian taxpayers. She pointed out that Victorians pay a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy based on assurances that every dollar would help rebuild a broken system. “They have every right to expect cooperation and transparency,” she said.