A Warrnambool AFL export and a former federal minister will share their experiences with depression on the opening day of hearings for Victoria's mental health royal commission.
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Australia's first royal commission into the mental health system will begin its public hearings in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The inquiry is scheduled to hear from four witnesses on its first day, including former trade minister Andrew Robb and ex-AFL premiership footballer Wayne Schwass.
Mr Schwass battled depression for most of his 15-year football career playing for North Melbourne and Sydney, and now advocates for mental health awareness.
Mr Robb, who served as Australia's trade and investment minister before retiring from politics in 2016, revealed publicly in 2009 that he suffered from depression.
Two community members will also share their lived experience of mental health on the opening hearing day of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.Commission chair Penny Armytage and counsel assisting the inquiry Lisa Nichols, QC, will make opening statements when the hearing begins at 10am.
The first round of public hearings will run until July 26, collecting evidence from experts, frontline workers and community witnesses.
"People with a lived experience of mental health and carers will bring a unique perspective that is instrumental to the ongoing work of this commission," Ms Armytage said.
The stigma attached to mental health and suicide prevention will be among the key themes of the initial hearings.
The hearings will focus on addressing system-wide issues rather than investigating individual incidents or cases.
Anyone who needs help is urged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
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