Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews appointed chair of youth mental health service Orygen

Former premier Daniel Andrews has controversially been appointed chair of a leading youth mental health service in a posting that has been branded “disgraceful”.

Former premier Daniel Andrews has been appointed chair of youth mental health service Orygen.

The appointment, replacing Professor Ed Byrne, was announced on Friday with Orygen executives understood to be bracing for an angry backlash over the controversial move.

It comes despite latest data showing a surge in youth suicides, and calls for the state government to do more to address mental health concerns for young Victorians.

Opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy slammed the appointment.

“What a disgraceful decision by Premier (Jacinta) Allan to put the man who inflicted terrible harm on the mental health of young Victorians during Covid in charge of Victoria’s lead youth mental health agency,” she said.

“Whether it’s building a statue for Daniel Andrews or signing off on another job for her Labor mates, time and time again Premier Allan has shown terrible judgment by putting politics ahead of Victorians.”

Orygen said the appointment was made by its board of directors and had nothing to do with the state government.

Daniel Andrews on a tour at the opening of the Orygen youth mental health centre in 2019. Picture: David Crosling

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said it was “an extraordinary appointment given the condition of so many Victorians as a result of his mismanagement of the state”.

“I’m all in favour of politicians who have been in a position of high office continuing to give back to the society of which they are part,” he said.

“The real question is whether this is just an attempt to rebuild his reputation – or is it genuinely founded in an interest in mental health?”

Kennett, the founder of mental health group Beyond Blue, added: “He (Andrews) is such a divisive figure in our community and given there will be a change of government at the next election, federally, I’m not sure that this is in the best interests of Orygen and the people they are trying to assist.”

Peter Meuleman, the father of a teenage cyclist struck by the Andrews family SUV in Blairgowrie in 2013, said it was “a disgraceful decision”.

“If he had a shred of decency Daniel Andrews would not accept this position,” he said.

“Andrews continues to hurt my son Ryan’s mental health to this day by continuing to lie about that crash, and his wife is no better.

“This appointment is likely to re-traumatise Ryan and a lot of other people I suspect.

“I cannot believe anyone who claims to be an expert in youth mental health would think this is a good idea.”

Repeated lockdowns hit the mental health of Victorians. Picture: Supplied

Mr Andrews said he was “incredibly proud” to be taking up the role, adding it was a “pivotal time for youth mental health in Australia and globally”.

“Orygen is one of Australia’s most important organisations, with a bold vision for all young people to enjoy the very best mental health as they grow into adulthood,” he said.

“It will be an honour to work closely with executive director Professor Patrick McGorry and help him realise that vision through Orygen’s groundbreaking research, knowledge translation, advocacy, workforce development and clinical care.”

Orygen executive director and psychiatrist Professor Patrick McGorry welcomed Mr Andrew’s appointment saying his record would be “invaluable” for leading reform amid ongoing funding challenges.

“Mr Andrews has a proven record as an agent of change with a strategic mindset, which are invaluable attributes for Orygen as we continue to lead youth mental health reform while navigating funding challenges to secure the support we need to sustain our vital work,” Prof McGorry said.

“Mr Andrews has already played a significant role in the Orygen story and I look forward to working with him on writing the next chapters.”

Professor Patrick McGorry welcomed Daniel Andrew’s appointment. Picture: Orygen

Orygen is a not-for-profit youth mental health research institute and charity, which also runs various healthcare services including several Headspace Centres and a youth inpatient recovery centre in Parkville.

It is backed by Melbourne University, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Colonial Foundation and funded via private donations and the state and federal government.

Dr Jane Watts had been serving as the interim Orygen Board Chair after Professor Byrne’s left earlier this year.

Mr Andrews was a longtime advocate for mental health investment and established a royal commission into the issue under his watch.

In response to the royal commission’s 74 recommendations, Mr Andrews announced a record $3.8bn funding injection into mental health service in the 2021 state budget.

But since then the state government has walked back its investment and delayed the promised rollout of community-based centres.

Mr Andrews’s Covid lockdowns have also been blamed for increased levels of depression and anxiety in children.