The 6th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium theme, The Practitioner’s Voice, seeks to give voice to practitioners who are faced with these challenges on a regular basis. Be a part of the discussion by registering for the symposium to be held 12-14 November 2014 at the Commercial Club Albury.

Senator Penny Wright

Senator for South Australia
Australian Greens

Presentation Title: “Learning from Listening: Ideas for Improving Mental Health Services in Country Australia.”

During 2012 and 2013 Senator Penny Wright, the Australian Greens spokesperson for mental health, took to the road and toured regional Australia – visiting the length and breadth of our continent from Tasmania to Queensland and from Western Australia to New South Wales.

Her aim was to listen and learn lots, getting feedback about the gaps in existing mental health services from people working on the frontline, and the individuals and their carers who grapple with the challenges of mental ill-health every day.

Senator Wright used the insights she gained to develop practical, comprehensive policy that she would still like to see implemented. In this presentation she will try out some of her ideas on you – and share a few stories from the road.

Senator Penny Wright was elected to the Senate at the 2010 Federal election and took her seat on July 1, 2011. She is a proud member of the Australian Greens in parliament and works hard on behalf of people at home in South Australia and throughout the nation. As Greens spokesperson for Mental Health, Legal Affairs, Schools Education and Veterans' Affairs, Senator Wright is passionate about her goal of a more inclusive Australia where all people can participate in their community and realise their full potential. She is also the Chair the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee.

Penny's former roles as a solicitor, university lecturer and deputy president of the Guardianship Board - in which she focused on areas such as tenancy law, mental health, social security, refugees and violence against women - all helped prepare her for her work in parliament. As a lawyer, she often worked in the ‘little end' of town, with those who live on the margins of society - people on low incomes, people with mental illnesses and people who have been dealt a tough hand by life.

Early Bird Registrations are available until 3 October 2014 and registrations can be made online by visiting the conference website.

For more information on presenters, download the Conference Program.