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Impact from archaic seclusion and restraint approach on complex mental patients ignored by Andrews Labor government

VMIAC found Victoria's mental health services were using physical restraints and seclusion more often in 2021 than the previous year, with 56 percent of all services reporting an increase.

By news@gippsland - 15th June 2022 - Back to News

Disturbing data, released today, shows this practice is becoming more common in Victoria under the Andrews Labor government despite the Royal Commission's warnings it must stop. The Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) research shows the use of restraint or seclusion is used in Victoria at a higher rate than the national average.

There is no place in our society for cuffing vulnerable Victorians to their hospital bed during a mental health crisis

Dehumanising impact

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said it was a step backwards. "The last thing Victorians deserve when they are in a mental health crisis is to be taken to hospital in a police divvy van, tied to a bed or locked up in a barren room, but that's exactly the practices that are happening under the Andrews Labor government's watch," Ms Kealy said.

Three years ago, the Royal Commission warned the use of seclusion and restraint was also identified as having a profound and dehumanising impact on people' (Royal Commission report, p231). It ultimately recommended banning the practice within a decade.

Ignoring evidence

Ms Kealy said, "The Labor government has ignored the evidence and failed to make reforms to train and recruit more mental health workers so hospitals can be better resourced to deal with complex patients."

According to the VMIAC research, there were 7500 episodes of seclusion or restraint from 26,800 admissions. The report also found damning evidence that mental health patients at Ballarat were 6.3 times more likely to be forcibly restrained than mental health patients in Traralgon.

"This research raises more red flags that Labor has completely botched the rollout of the Royal Commission's priority recommendations. Victoria launched a framework almost a decade ago aimed at reducing the use of restraint and seclusion, but this data shows that's been ignored by the Andrews Labor government." Ms Kealy said.

Health system worsened

The VMIAC report was damning of the Andrews Labor government for withholding vital data, particularly on the impact on the LGBTIQ+ and gender diverse community. "Labor has been in government 20 of the past 24 years, but the problems in Victoria's mental health systems have gotten worse under their watch."

"With Victorian hospitals topping national rates for use of archaic restraint and seclusion and the mental health workforce dangerously under-resourced we can have no confidence we're on the right track to ensure appropriate care is offered to Victorians when at their most vulnerable." Ms Kealy said.

Pictures from VMIAC - Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Wellington Early Years Expo returns, offering free family fun, services and play-based activities for young children on 30 April 2026
  The 2026 Wellington Early Years Expo returns to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday 30 April inviting families to enjoy an afternoon of learning and connection for children aged 0–5 years.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Crime in Victoria surges to record highs under Allan Labor, leaving communities less safe, says Tim Bull
  Crime in Victoria has reached record levels under the Allan Labor government, with rising offences and family violence, police under-resourced, and weakened laws leaving communities increasingly unsafe, says Tim Bull.
• Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
  Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth.
• Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
  The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull.
• Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
  Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Melina Bath warns neighbourhood houses face financial strain, risking essential services due to stagnant government funding
  Hundreds rallied at Victoria Parliament urging Allan government to provide funding certainty for neighbourhood houses, protecting essential community services supporting vulnerable residents and preventing closures.