Prof George Lipton appointed head of WA Dept's Mental Health Div

12/7/96

One of Australia's most eminent child psychiatrists, Professor George Lipton, has been appointed head of the Western Australian Health Department's Mental Health Division.

Health Minister Kevin Prince said with Professor Lipton in the position of general manager, Mental Health, the Health Department's mental health plan would gain a real impetus.

"Professor Lipton is president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and he brings with him a formidable reputation as one of the nation's top psychiatrists," Mr Prince said.

"He has a strong background in teaching, clinical practice and health administration, and he will bring a sharp new focus to public mental health services in this State.

"His responsibilities will include the implementation of the State Mental Health Plan and his vast skills and knowledge will achieve a significant improvement in our public mental health services."

Mr Prince said it was expected Professor Lipton would move to Perth later this year, but that he had agreed to begin work in the interim on a number of key issues .

He also would undertake the statutory responsibilities of director of psychiatric services under the Mental Health Act.

In addition to his position as president of the RANZCP, Professor Lipton is:

·       associate professor in child psychiatry at Melbourne University;

·       honorary clinical associate professor in the department of psychological ' medicine at Monash University; and -

·       director of the Victorian post-graduate child psychiatry training program.

Professor Lipton has also held or been awarded a considerable number of distinguished clinical and academic positions and fellowships, both nationally and internationally.

Media contact: Jenny Bassett 366 0300