Social Inclusion Board

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse a question about Monsignor Cappo’s report.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: In response to a question from the member for Bragg, Vicki Chapman, in relation to the status of the report by Monsignor Cappo in parliamentary estimates on 25 October, the minister replied:

I work very closely with Monsignor Cappo, and we meet just about fortnightly. We consult regularly, and he keeps me well informed of the progress of his work. . . As we have announced, the report will not be forthcoming until December this year. As I have said previously, budgetary considerations in relation to that report will be considered in future budget cycles.

That is consistent with the responses the minister has given in relation to the timing of the report being the end of this year. My questions are:

1. In her discussions with Monsignor Cappo, has the issue of the timing of the report been raised?

2. Has the minister received a report and, if not, when does she expect to receive it?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO(Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse): Indeed, the work that the Social Inclusion Board and its commissioner, Monsignor Cappo, have been doing on a plan to reform our mental health system is most important. Monsignor Cappo has said publicly that the report will be made available towards the end of this year, and that is my understanding. The honourable member would need to ask Monsignor Cappo about any further updates, but that is the information I have been given. I want to reiterate the importance of the work that has been done and the extensive consultation that has occurred. The Social Inclusion Board has consulted with a wide range of mental health stakeholders, service providers and NGOs. It has been an extensive consultation, and a great deal of work has been put into this.

It is a most important body of work, and it will provide valuable information for the future planning of our mental health services here in South Australia. Indeed, I have very much enjoyed working with Monsignor Cappo and the Social Inclusion Board and look forward to the outcome of their work.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I have a supplementary question arising from the answer. Is the minister confirming that she has not yet received a copy of the report?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Mr President, I have answered the question.