The New South Wales Mental Health Minister, Rose Jackson, has expressed significant concern over the exclusion of a mental health counsellor from a hospital working group after he voiced criticism of the Albury Wodonga Health redevelopment. In a letter addressed to Anthony Perrone, Jackson stated that the decision to remove him from the “lived and living experience consumer working group” was troubling, particularly given the importance of open dialogue in developing health services.
Perrone received notification on June 17 that his application to join the group had been withdrawn. The letter, which did not specify the author, indicated that participants were expected to advocate for the project and promote its benefits. Concerns were raised about a recent media publication featuring Perrone, suggesting it could be interpreted as critical of the redevelopment.
In response, Dr. Perrone sought clarification from Albury Wodonga Health regarding the reasons for his exclusion but reported that no satisfactory explanation was provided. In an article published in August 2024 in The Border Mail, he discussed the redevelopment’s implications and highlighted the need for enhanced children’s mental health services.
On November 28, Dr. Perrone informed Minister Jackson of his situation, prompting her to respond. “I was deeply concerned to read your correspondence regarding your removal from the lived and living experience consumer work group,” she wrote. Jackson emphasized that criticism, despite being challenging, is essential for effective co-design. She added, “It provides opportunities to strengthen service design, foster innovation, and build trust.”
Jackson has taken further action by addressing her concerns with the Victorian Minister for Health and contacting the chief executive of Albury Wodonga Health, urging them to reconsider the exclusion of members who raise concerns about the redevelopment.
The issue came to light shortly before Jackson was questioned by Amanda Cohn, a member of the NSW parliament, during a budget estimates meeting. Cohn noted that Albury Wodonga Health had not adequately addressed the issues she raised, stating that she could not direct the service due to its administration under the Victorian government.
Dr. Perrone has called for a stronger stance from the NSW government on behalf of its citizens. “They’re playing politics and I’ve had enough of politics,” he stated. He advocates for a reformed health system that better aligns with the needs of the local population, suggesting that stronger ties with Wagga would be beneficial. “We’re aligning ourselves with Wodonga for too much and we’re not a Victorian city,” he argued, stressing the need for a focus on NSW’s unique requirements.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by health services in maintaining open lines of communication and incorporating diverse perspectives into their planning processes. As the debate continues, the implications for both local health initiatives and community engagement remain significant.
