We are delighted to bring you a fascinating conversation with Taryn Harvey, the CEO of the West Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH). Taryn is a tireless advocate for people who are often left disempowered by our health and social systems. She worked for many years as an advocate in the disability sector before taking up the role of CEO at WAAHM in 2018. Taryn discusses the role that WAAMH plays in helping individuals who are navigating the community mental health system in WA, as well as agitating at the highest levels of government for meaningful policy change. Taryn and others contributed to a major policy win recently with the passing of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Bill 2022 which repeals the much criticised Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 1996 that resulted in the indefinite detention of people who may not have the mental capacity to participate in the legal process, for often long periods of time, without them being found guilty of an offence. Taryn discussed the famous case of Marlon Noble who was detained for around 10 years based on allegations which were never tested in court, with those who made them later admitting that they were in fact false. We were struck by Taryn’s passion and drive and really enjoyed this chat, we hope that you do too.
To find out more about WAAMH and the work they do: https://waamh.org.au
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