The findings of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System are something that will shape the future of mental health services, not just in Victoria but potentially across Australia.

Every year around one in five Victorians experience mental health issues, and about 3 per cent of the population — roughly 200,000 people — have a “severe” mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The final report from the royal commission has found that Victoria’s mental health system operates in crisis mode, has “catastrophically failed to live up to expectations” and must be rebuilt.

There are 65 recommendations outlined in the report, including the phasing out of seclusion and restraints treatments over the next decade. Compulsory treatments will be made an option of last resort. The Victorian Government says it will implement all of them.

So, what’s next? The report is on the table and the real work of implementing its recommendations starts now. We invited Angus (Gus) Clelland, CEO Mental Health Victoria and Maggie Toko, CEO VMIAC for their take on what the recommendations mean for mental health services – and the next steps.