Elizabeth Young wants the system that 'killed' her daughter fixed

The mother of a victim killed in a stabbing incident at Bondi Junction has joined forces with six mental health organizations to demand a more effective response from the New South Wales government. Elizabeth Young's daughter, Jade, lost her life in April 2024 due to the actions of Joel Cauchi, whose psychotic episode led to the attack.

The state government has announced its support for 11 recommendations from the coronial report, but the groups say the government's response falls short of concrete action. The six organizations, representing mental health consumers, carers, and psychiatrists, claim the government has withheld a key report on funding gaps in mental health services.

Elizabeth Young remains skeptical about the government's promises, stating that her daughter's death was a result of "a system that failed." Dr. Pramudie Gunaratne, CEO of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, warns that the government's "in principle" commitments to key recommendations are merely "kicking the can down the road."

She urges the government to act on recommendations to fully fund supported housing for individuals with mental health issues. BEING Mental Health's CEO, Giancarlo de Vera, calls for more than mere goodwill, emphasizing the need for concrete commitments to address structural issues identified by the coronial inquest. Opposition leader Kellie Sloane urges the government to release the report on mental health funding gaps and address the system's immense strain.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson acknowledges the need for increased support for those with complex mental illnesses, but asserts that the government is implementing programs to provide stability in accommodation. The government plans to release the gap analysis into mental health funding and collaborate with the Mental Health Alliance to finalize it.