Doug PollardUnanswered Questions
Questions for beyondblue
Many people messaged in to my show with questions for beyondblue.
I was unable to fit them all in, despite an interview that I extended to fit in as many as possible.
Here are all the questions I received: I would still like to hear honest and direct answers from beyondblue.
QUESTIONS FOR BEYONDBLUE
Gina Oii Australia
Q: can BB seriously engage with LGBTI when the figurehead makes homophobic statements.
Q exactly what were the outcomes from the BB MelbournE LGBTI conference ? how did BB extend its engagement with LGBTI , as promised, following that conference.
Q Has BB provided any funding to LGBTI anti depression initiatives such as wear it purple. LGBTI health alliance , ACON and so on? Does BB activly suport and advertise its support to those existing initiatives?
Leandra Gordon
Why BB doesn't hassle either side of politics about the woeful under-funding of the metal health system - it just sticks to "raising awareness".
Michael Carley
Too little too late...... They are only interested in trying to stem any potential loss of income... She can say what she likes - Jeff Kennett remains - no money from me.
Sue Hackney
I'd be interested to know why the organisation thinks it is necessary to survey GLBTI's experiences of homophobia - there is clearly enough evidence around (including the literature review that it paid ARCH&S/GLHV to do a couple of years ago).
In the face of urgent need for services on the ground, this could appear to be stalling/wasting yet more money. It could also lead participants unethically up the proverbial garden path - ie asking for people to share sensitive/emotionally distressing personal experiences yet not backed up by any organisational commitment (past or present) to actually supporting service delivery.
Malcolm Grant
What is the purpose of maintaining such a large surpluses when depression is such a growing issue
Do you feel that an appropriate response to the almost epidemic depressive illness rates in our communities is to spend the piddling amount recently announced?
National Learning & Development Manager
InvoCare Australia Pty Limited
Brigid Cahill
Why is Ian Hickie (clinical advisor to bb) supporting the Gillard Govt's cut to the "Better Access to Psychologists"scheme, meaning that thousands will no longer be able to claim more than 10 sessions on Medicare and that these people are mostly not going to be able to afford to pay for extra sessions, when most therapy involves weekly sessions often for up to a year or more??? Please????
Leigh Bartlett
leigh@batforce.org.au via joy.org.au to rainbowreport
My son read Jeff Kennett’s article
My question is, what do I say to him when he asks about his future having 2 Mums.
And
In schools there is a huge focus on bystander behaviour . In fact when teaching healthy relationships we focus strongly on the role of bystanders. How can Beyond Blue stand by and tolerate Jeff Kennett’s comments about same sex couples raising strong healthy Kids or about how important poker machines are to football clubs.
And
If all the research points so strongly to Children needing parents in a married relationship to develop strong positive mental health- will Beyond Blue be lobbying for same sex marriage in Australia
Regional Youth Affairs Consultant
Barwon Adolescent Task Force
52214339
James Newburrie
Any first-year management student at any Australian uni can tell you that organisational culture develops from the values held by its leaders. What systems does Beyond Blue have in place to firewall its operational programs from Mr Kennett's clearly homophobic value system? (A scholar called Schein 'proved' this in 1984)
Has beyond Blue taken steps to address Mr Kennett's wilful ignorance of current research about same-sex parenting?
In 2008 Mr Kennett promised to stand down from Beyond Blue's board after comparing homosexuality to peadophilia. He did not. How can we trust an organisation whose leaders do not keep their word?
What programs does beyond blue have in place to address the needs of the 30% of same-sex attracted teens who commit acts of serious self-harm, like cutting, and attempt suicide? Does Beyond Blue recognise the links between a hetrosexist culture and the over 200% rate of self-harm in gay teens compared to their straight peers? What steps has Beyond Blue taken to stop Mr Kennett from using an anti-depression initiative as a platform for marginalising gay teens? (fromHeadspace)
11% of teens are same sex attracted. Is it appropriate for Beyond Blue's brand to appear to Mr Kennett's name every time he makes a homophobic remark? (latrobe uni figures)
Travel
According to a media release on Wednesday, Beyond Blue does not spend any donated money on travel. Where does the money to fund travel come from then?
Why are not all levels of Beyond Blue afforded the same travel entitlements as the board?
Kennett and Gambling
Mr Kennett is currently fighting against laws designed to curb problem gambling in our society. Yet, Beyond Blue acknowledges the links between depression and compulisive gambling, calling it both "A symptom and a cause of depression". How is Mr Kennett's political views in keeping with Beyond Blue's mission to help these people?
General
What is more important to Beyond Blue? Mr Kennett's right to express his political beliefs, or helping people with depression?
Paul
Simple: Either BB supports JK, or BB supports GLBTIQ - ask her to decide.
