As I prepare to conclude my tenure as Queensland Mental Health Commissioner after nine rewarding years, I have been reflecting on the journey we have shared, and the progress Queensland has made in strengthening mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs responses and suicide prevention efforts.

There have been many milestones over that time, but what stands out most is the growing strength and influence of lived-living experience voices across the system. What I’m most proud of is that people with lived-living experience, along with families and carers are now genuinely at the table. Not just present, but shaping decisions, leading conversations, and driving reform in a meaningful way.

This shift represents a profound change in how the system operates. We’ve seen the growth of a strong peer workforce across public, private and non-government sectors, and the emergence of independent lived-living experience peaks. That didn’t happen by chance, it’s been a deliberate effort to move away from tokenism and ensure people have a real voice and real influence.

Looking back more broadly, the pace and direction of reform gives confidence that Queensland is moving forward. We’ve built strong foundations through policy, investment and collaboration that position us to continue improving. One of the most significant moments was the parliamentary inquiry into mental health. It brought together reform, policy direction and meaningful investment, something you don’t often see all at once.

While reform can take time, both the smaller and larger wins have helped sustain momentum. You learn to value the incremental progress because every step matters, but there are also moments where you see genuine system shift. Those moments remind you why the work is so important.

Looking to the future, it is the next generation that inspires the greatest optimism. Young people today have a deep understanding of mental health, alcohol and other drug challenges and suicide prevention and a clear vision for what a better system looks like. They’re engaged, informed and ready to lead, that gives me real hope.

Encouragingly, the system itself is evolving. We’re seeing a stronger focus on early intervention and prevention, particularly for infants, children and young people. If we get in early, we can change life trajectories.

We’re also increasing responding to the social determinants and recognising that it is not just a health response – employment, community, education and housing all play a role and are some of our key levers for improving wellbeing. That shift upstream, towards keeping people well rather than waiting for crisis, is one of the most important changes we’ve seen.

If Queenslanders were to remember one thing from my time as Commissioner, it comes down to a simple principle. People matter—everyone matters. I’ve always tried to be accessible and to give people a voice. Whether it’s someone working in the system or someone in the community who’s never been heard before, it’s about making sure they feel seen, heard and supported.

That commitment to connection extends beyond the system into personal wellbeing. For me, good mental health comes back to family, community and social connection. This work can be intense but having that sense of belonging—your ‘village’—is what keeps you grounded and well.

As I prepare for the next chapter, I am looking forward to taking time to pause and reflect. At its core, mental health and wellbeing reform is ongoing work. There’s no finish line. Progress depends on all of us continuing to work together—government, services, communities, and people with lived experience, moving in the same direction.

While my time as Commissioner is coming to an end, the work continues.

I am pleased that Bretine Curtis will serve as Interim Commissioner while recruitment is underway. I know the Commission will remain steadfast in its commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Queenslanders and supporting the implementation of lasting reform across the system.

If you are interested in learning more about the Commissioner role, details can be found here: https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-EA684201

No achievement is ever the work of one person alone. I am grateful to the many colleagues, stakeholders and Ministers who have contributed to this work over the years. Most importantly, I thank my family for their enduring support, which has enabled me to serve in this role with commitment and purpose.

I hope that, in some way, I’ve helped lay strong foundations for the future. We’re not where we need to be yet, but we are on the road.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work and supported the Commission's mission during my tenure. It has been an honour to serve Queensland in this role, and I look forward to seeing the continued progress that lies ahead.