Aftermath: Lessons from the Bondi Junction Inquest ASoP Event 

Last Saturday, February 28, the Australian Society of Psychiatrists (ASoP) hosted a one-day hybrid symposium bringing together leading psychiatrists, legal experts and the wisdom of those with lived experience for a series of panel discussions exploring clinical, legal and systems lessons from the Bondi Junction Inquest.  

The symposium opened with a powerful address from Elizabeth Young, mother of Jade Young, who was killed in the Bondi Junction attack. Speaking with integrity and courage, Elizabeth called for urgent, meaningful systemic reform grounded in lived experience, warning that Australia cannot continue with a mental health system that leaves people unsupported until crisis or tragedy occurs.  

Representing the lived experience of mental health carers, families and kin, Mental Health Carer NSW CEO, Jonathan Harms, spoke at the first panel titled ‘Clinical Lessons from the Inquest.’ Jonathan articulated what many in the room were feeling – that the findings arising from Bondi Junction are not new. The real tragedy is not a lack of knowledge, but a persistent lack of action.

Jonathan’s statement reminded the audience that carers, families and kin are propping up an overstretched and fragmented system, and that real reform will only occur when governments commit to implementing what has long been known. 

Wayahead CEO, Sharon Grocott, was also in attendance and wrote an insightful article about the recurring themes and compelling statements made throughout the event. Click here to read more.