Daniel Andrews protest forces mental health staff to work from home

An Orygen spokesperson, when approached for comment on Thursday, said the organisation was disappointed by the disruption.

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“Out of an abundance of caution, we have put in place additional measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of the young people and families we care for, as well as our staff,” the spokesperson said.

“The small group planning the disruption is well known for regularly protesting against diversity and inclusion, which is in opposition to our values.

“We would encourage anyone planning to participate to consider the impact on the young people who rely on our services for mental health support.”

A spokesperson for the protest group said aggressive behaviour would not be tolerated at Friday’s rally.

“We acknowledge there are many front-line workers dealing with youth mental health that are doing a great job and do not wish to interfere with them in any way,” the spokesperson said.

“The message here is to the board. The decision to appoint Daniel Andrews to the board is an absolute disgrace and a slap in the face to Victorians.”

The spokesperson said they would not be surprised if a few hundred people attended the rally.

Andrews was announced as the incoming chair of Orygen last Friday. His appointment, made by the institute’s board, is for a fixed three-year term.

The news drew the ire of former Liberal premier and Beyond Blue founder Jeff Kennett, who called the move “absurd”, as well as opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy, who labelled it “disgraceful”.

Key to critics’ complaints was the fact that Andrews, who established the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, also oversaw some of the world’s longest and strictest coronavirus lockdowns during his time in office.

But Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry last week defended the appointment, pointing out that it was common for former politicians to lead mental health agencies.

Healey backed in Andrews’ recent appointment because he had a strong working knowledge of the mental health system. “He won’t just warm a seat.”

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