Press Release from Mental Health Council of Australia
Allan Fels appointed Mental Health Commissioner 16 October 2011 

The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) warmly welcomes the appointment of Professor Allan Fels, AO as Chairman of the Mental Health Commission.
Allan Fels is a Patron of the Mental Health Council of Australia and a long standing advocate for mental health carers and consumers. Professor Fels was Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) and also Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission from 1995 until 30 June 2003.  Prior to that he was Chairman of the Trade Practices Commission from 1991 to 1995 and Chairman of the Prices Surveillance Authority from 1989 to 1992.

“Allan Fels has championed mental health reform and governance issues for many years and his work with the MHCA and other organisations makes him an ideal person to lead the new Mental Health Commission,” said Frank Quinlan, the CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

“Professor Fels will bring his years of experience on administration, leadership, and advocacy to this position and his appointment is warmly welcomed by the mental health sector.

“The establishment of a Mental Health Commission is a key part of the Government’s mental health reform agenda, which includes delivering a Ten Year Roadmap to reform.  The MHCA looks forward to working with Professor Fels in achieving this milestones in mental health, ’ Mr Quinlan said.