Victoria Police holds in custody people who are arrested and charged until their release on bail, or their transfer to prison. Imprisoned people with a mental illness receive voluntary treatment within prisons. Prisoners may only receive compulsory treatment outside prisons under custody of the Secretary of the Department of Health (DH).
The Magistrates' Court of Victoria (Magistrates' Court) has specialist courts and programs to divert to treatment people whose mental illness, cognitive impairment or substance use contributes to their offending. On 1 July 2014 administration and program management resources of the Magistrates' Court were transferred from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to Court Services Victoria (CSV).
People with a mental illness in the community come to the attention of police as a result of offending, behaviour suggestive of mental disorder, or the effects of alcohol or drugs. Victoria Police is responsible for managing such incidents, and referring people with a mental illness to health services. Emergency services liaison committees enable local police and mental health services coordination.
Good mental health is one of the foundations of a good life and a healthy society. The World Health Organisation broadly defines mental health as 'a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community'.
 John Doyle Auditor-General |
Audit team Chris Sheard—Engagement Leader David Cook—Team Leader Kerryn Riseley—Analyst Matthew Irons—Analyst |
Ordered to be printed
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER October 2014
PP No 366, Session 2010–14
In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report, or part of this report, was provided to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Health, the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure and the Department of Treasury and Finance.
The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
This Part assesses the Department of Treasury and Finance's (DTF) oversight of the performance measurement and reporting system on behalf of the Minister for Finance by examining how well DTF has:
This Part examines departments' progress in developing four-year corporate plans and 10-year long-term plans, which are critical if government is to fully understand: