The centre was among those consulted on the model’s development
The Redfern Legal Centre has lauded the NSW government for its introduction of a new mental health emergency response model that will connect those experiencing mental health crises to mental health experts instead of to the NSW Police.
Minister for mental health Rose Jackson and Minister for police and counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley announced the new model, which was developed with inputs from NSW Health, NSW Police, unions and advocacy groups, on 30 July. The Redfern Legal Centre was among those consulted.
“This is a welcome step toward ensuring that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive the health-led response they need. This change is urgently needed to prevent further deaths and serious harm”, said Grace Cameron-Lee, a senior solicitor in Redfern Legal Centre’s police accountability practice. “Redfern Legal Centre, alongside advocates, community organisations, and the families of those injured or killed by NSW Police while experiencing a mental health crisis, have long called for a change to first responders to mental health crises”.
Under the new model, those who call 000 in the midst of mental health crises can be directed to a newly established and dedicated team of mental health experts to evaluate callers’ needs, provide immediate support and refer them to appropriate sources of care, including counselling, local mental health services or the NSW Ambulance’s new specialist Mental Health Acute Assessment Team. Eight of these teams will be established across high-need areas in the state; they will be active for 12 hours a day for 7 days a week.
The NSW government is injecting over $270m into the model over a 10-year period. Funds will be earmarked for a statewide Virtual Mental Health Hub in NSW Ambulance. The development of the model is a response to recommendations made by the Bondi Junction Coronial Inquest, the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health care and the NSW Police Force review of mental health incident responses.
“Redfern Legal Centre welcomes the move away from police as the default first responders, and the significant resources that the NSW government is committing to the new model. The inclusion of a Virtual Mental Health Hub to assist first responders to make safer and more informed decisions is also welcome”, Cameron-Lee said.
Nonetheless, the NSW Police will continue to respond to mental health incidents and emergencies where it is the most appropriate agency to do so.
“Redfern Legal Centre considers training and clear operational changes for NSW Police remains critical. Risk assessments or decisions about whether it is appropriate for police to respond should be undertaken by appropriately qualified health professionals wherever practicable”, Cameron-Lee said. “NSW Police should not respond to mental health related incidents, unless there is a genuine risk to the safety of the health responder or the public and in these cases, police responses should still be led by health professionals wherever possible”.
Cameron-Lee called for the government to prioritise urgent changes to NSW Police training protocols and standard operating procedures, particularly regarding the use of force.
“De-escalation techniques should be at the forefront of every interaction between NSW Police and individuals in mental health crises. Improvements to NSW Police training and procedures are critical to ensure everyone in the NSW community, including those experiencing mental health crises, remains safe”, Cameron-Lee said.
The NSW government indicated that it would continue consultations on the health-led responder model’s implementation.
