cons news

australian consumer news........................................ 29/8/97

NEXT EDITION WILL BE LOADED 12/9

....adult survivors of childhood abuse and their supporters will march throughout major cities around the world on Sat. 6/9/97, to raise awareness of the extent and effects of childhood abuse....In Melbourne, the march will start at the Exhib'n buildings in the Carlton Gardens at 11:30 am and proceed to Parliament House, with a BYO lunch in the Fitzroy Gardens at 12.

#Survivors-UK is the driving force behind the world wide march. #Survivors Australia continues this work in Aust, and is seeking members and volunteers. Please contact Robyn phone (03)95371023 or (041)1413821.

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A SUMMARY OF CONSUMER EVENTS AT THE RECENT THEMHS CONFERENCE 
--issues that were raised during the Consumer day at Sydney 19/8/97

* debate about allowing the media to cover consumer proceedings - the general media were 
excluded this year - issues about privacy and mistaken reporting - as far as we know
the consumer sessions this year received no coverage anywhere
* problems with the Network database; the Network mailing list has approx 315 names 
now.  We were unsure just how many consumer groups are out there in Australia
*  discussion about the Govt. proposal to limit rebated psych. consultations to 50 each year 
..this has already been legislated in the USA with unwanted results
*  comparison of consumer rights in public health system versus private hospitals etc.
*  the absolute need for a united national voice, to ensure we are heard as consumers
*  better TV ads for MH are wanted especially for rural areas
*  one minutes silence was observed for the consumers who have died since last years 
THEMHS conference, and for people who were away because of illness etc.
*  for job-seekers, the effect of disclosing a MH history to employers was discussed
--Here's an unofficial report of the proceedings at the Network AGM Thursday 
21/8/97, at the Sydney Town Hall---

The attendance was about 45, and the meeting was chaired by Simon Champ.
Simon summarised the work of the intervening 12 months, esp. incorporation and
the drafting of a Network Constitution. Essentially the Network has been built on good 
will,  while recognition of the Network is increasing among consumers, Government 
bodies and professionals.  The Network has been approached for "input" to the national 
MH strategy, and $5000 seed funding has been promised.
Phil Ochre was elected to be the special delegate for indigenous Australians
on the Network committee.  Special appreciation to Debbie who has edited and
published the Network newsletter this year ... this position is currently vacant.
State reports....The SA branch of the Network is still searching for funding , about 
60 members. SA consumers said that they wanted the Network to be tied firmly to grass 
roots, and fear that it may become elitist.  In Queensland, illness of key members has 
slowed up things, there is now a feeling of hope.  In WA, the movement is still growing, 
mostly in Perth.  For NSW, Simon Said that their members wanted the chairperson to not 
be a State delegate.  There was a good public meeting 3 months previously in Sydney, with 
many unexpected new faces and enthusiasm growing.  The Vic. branch has had a mixed  
year and more than anything requires funding to grow more rapidly.
treasurers report.... a trust fund was created in NSW to manage Network 
finances. Income since 1996 meeting was $2498, mostly donations to the Network. 
Newsletter expenses were about $500.  Current funds are approx. $2000.  Two 
teleconferences were conducted, which were funded from the excess of  the previous years 
THEMHS grant.  Problems with newsletter subscriptions were raised, will be resolved 
quickly.
--Election of delegates to the AMHCN committee--

The new committee will consist of 12 delegates from the States, plus the indigeneous 
delegate.
* elected State delegates for 1997/8 : (hope this is correct - let me know of any errors)
ACT     Pat D and Peter W
NSW     Doug H and Justin L
QLD     Paul D and Helen G
SA      Lorraine and Colin T
TAS     Gwen J
VIC     Alicia F and Danny W
WA      Rachel B
* Network Executive for 1997/8 
Chair - Simon Champ      Secretary  -  Danny Walsh        Treasurer - Doug Holmes



© GoodValueProductions Australia 1997

This is a independent newsletter for psych. consumers. This document is composed and edited in Melbourne, Australia. New content will be added every second Friday. We are not affiliated with any consumer group or network.

Watch this space .. we are collecting consumer stories and material. You can send "stuff" to us thru E-mail or post to PO Box 469, Carlton South, Vic. 3053 Australia. We respect people's right to privacy, and we cannot reproduce any material which may be libellous.

Across the world, the consumer movement is gathering momentum as users of these health services start to realise their own wisdom and resources. The Australian MH Consumer Network aims to represent the many consumer perspectives nationally. The AMHCN publish an excellent newsletter. The Network can be contacted thru Simon (02)98172000. The Network mail address is PO Box 126, Islington NSW 2296, Australia.