‘Slap in the face’: Backlash over Dan Andrews’ role as chair of youth mental health service

A mother whose teenage son died by suicide during the ­pandemic has slammed the decision to appoint Daniel ­Andrews as the chair of a leading youth mental health service.

A Victorian mother whose son died by suicide during Covid has slammed the decision to appoint Daniel Andrews as the chair of a youth mental health service.

The Herald Sun on Friday revealed the former Premier had been appointed to lead the board of Orygen, a not-for-profit youth mental health research institute and charity.

But it’s prompted a fierce backlash and 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.

Ange Shearman, whose 16-year-old son Louie took his own life in April 2020, said the former Premier’s “hard line” lockdown policies were a major “push factor” in her boy’s death.

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

“I find it offensive, I find it disrespectful and a slap in the face,” she told the Saturday Herald Sun.

“Considering he was the Premier of the longest lockdown in the whole country, I find it very distasteful that he would be the chair of anything related to mental health.”

Ms Shearman accused Mr Andrews and his government of having no regard to the mental health impacts that lockdowns, specifically at the start of the pandemic, had on the community.

“I do blame his initial policies and hard line as a push factor (for my son’s death). If Louie could have got out of the house and be with his friends I think he’d still be here today. I think lockdown was a major factor,” she said.

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”.

Mr 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.”

Ocean Grove mother Ange Shearman lost her teenage son Louie to suicide during lockdown. Picture: Rob Leeson

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

“Andrews continues to hurt my son Ryan’s mental health to this day. This appointment is likely to re-traumatise Ryan and a lot of other people I suspect,” he said.

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

Mr Andrews, who will replace Professor Ed Byrne as chair, was a longtime advocate for mental health investment and established a royal commission into the issue while in the top job.

Professor Patrick McGorry welcomed Daniel Andrews’ appointment. Picture: Orygen

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.

In a statement, Mr Andrews said he was “incredibly proud” to be taking up the role during 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.

Orygen executive director and psychiatrist Professor Patrick McGorry said Mr Andrews’ had a “proven record as an agent of change with a strategic mindset”.

Originally published as ‘Slap in the face’: Backlash over Dan Andrews’ role as chair of youth mental health service