The New South Wales mental health minister, Rose Jackson, has signalled major reforms to police responses to mental health crises, acknowledging the system has failed in some instances. Speaking at a budget estimates hearing, Jackson said the government and police are developing a new model, with input from mental health consumers and advocates expected next year.
Jackson's comments follow a series of fatal interactions between NSW police and people in mental distress, including the deaths of Clare Nowland, Steve Pampalian, Jesse Deacon and Krista Kach between May and September. Guardian Australia reported that 52 people experiencing mental health distress died in interactions with police over the past five years, 15 in the 12 months to June alone.
The minister admitted there were instances where the system had failed and stressed the need for change. She noted that the current Pacer program, which pairs mental health clinicians with police, plays an important role but is not sufficient for all call-outs. The program is only funded until 2025, and its replacement will differ from the current model.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb has ordered an internal review of mental health policies, due by the end of the month. She noted over 140,000 calls for mental health-related incidents in the past year. Separately, Jackson has asked the Ministry of Health to work with mental health organisations to analyse community care and propose immediate and long-term reforms.
