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1. Introduction
In accordance with the National
Mental Health Strategy, endorsed by all Health Ministers
in April 1992, the Tasmanian Community Advisory Group on Mental
Health (TasCAG) was established in 1993.
2. Terms of Reference
The TasCAG will provide a mechanism for consumer and carer
input into mental health policy and decision making processes,
particularly in relation to the implementation of the National
Mental Health Plan and in accordance with the Mental Health
Statement of Rights and Responsibilities endorsed by the Health
Ministers in March 1991. Within this broad framework TasCAG
will:
- In response to requests from the Minister, and on its
own initiative, provide advice and documentation on matters
connected with mental health, including -
- Effects of Government policies, programs and activities
on people with mental health problems and mental disorders;
and
- Priorities for service development due to emerging needs
and service deficits.
- Assist Mental Health in the formation of State mental
health policies, plans and initiatives to ensure the needs
and requirements of people with a mental illness and their
carers are met.
- Undertake activities designed to increase knowledge of,
and interest in, mental health matters, including pursuing
wider consultation strategies with the community.
- Promote consumer participation in all aspects of mental
health services.
- Provide advice to the Tasmanian representatives on the
national equivalent group to enable appropriate representation
nationally of the needs, interests and concerns of Tasmanian
consumers and carers.
- The group consists of thirteen delegates from around the
State, eleven of whom are appointed by the Minister for
Health and Human Services. The remaining two members are
elected to the Executive Committee by the TasCAG Reference
Group on an annual basis. A member must be either a primary
consumer of mental health services, a carer of someone with
a mental illness or an individual community member who has
a particularly strong interest in mental health issues.
Tenure of Ministerial Appointments are for two or three
years.
Expressions of interest for inclusion on a Register from which
individuals are nominated for membership of the Reference Group
may be received at any time. Expressions of interest for Ministerial
Appointments are called for every two years at a minimum.The
TasCAG meets six times each year, in various locations around
the State. Members are paid sitting fees and are reimbursed
for costs associated with travel, accommodation, meals, as well
as out-of-pocket expenses. Members are encouraged to develop
their capacity to represent the views of consumers and carers
in their area, via:
- Ongoing discussion with as broad a range of consumers
and carers as possible to identify issues.
- Reporting back on issues discussed at TasCAG meetings.
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