Unions representing the majority of mental health professionals in Victoria have publically endorsed the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement (EBA), with Victorian Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge welcoming the decision.

 

"This new agreement will help us to continue to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in the Victorian community," Ms Wooldridge said.

 

"It will also give mental health workers a pay rise consistent with the government's wages policy."

 

"This is a good deal for people with a mental illness, it's a good deal for mental health workers, it's a good deal for taxpayers and it's a good deal for our mental health system."

 

Ms Wooldridge also said that for the first time anywhere in Australia, an agreement had been reached that includes classifications and pay scales for consumer and carer consultants.

 

"People who have experienced mental illness, or those caring for people with mental illness, have a very real contribution to make in supporting clients and advising services on how to improve the safety and quality of care provided," Ms Wooldridge said.

 

Ms Wooldridge said the new enterprise agreement will operate until 31 March 2016, providing certainty of pay and conditions for mental health staff for four years.