Why Aussies are calling Dan Andrews’ new job at Orygen a ‘slap in the face’

A youth health service has been forced to warn its staff to work from home following a public backlash against the appointment of former Prime Minister Dan Andrews to a lucrative role.

Mr Andrews, who suddenly resigned as Victorian premier a year ago, will become chairman of the not-for-profit youth health service Orygen, which will reportedly pay him about $75,000 a year to attend six scheduled meetings every 12 months.

If necessary, he will also be called upon to attend non-board meetings and Orygen events.

The appointment was called a “slap in the face” by Ange Shearman, whose 16-year-old son Louie killed himself in April 2020 during Victoria’s draconian lockdowns to curb the spread of Covid.

Orygen has warned staff not to come to the office on Friday due to a protest planned outside its headquarters in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville.

Organized by Leave our Kidz Alone, the advocacy groups say on their website that the protest will be a “peaceful gathering” but “Andrews has to go.”

“Orygen and the ex-prime minister highlight the most vulnerable people in our state,” reads a flyer for the event.

‘It’s unbelievable. Join us in taking a stand to reverse this.”

A spokesperson for Orygen told the newspaper Herald Sun they were ‘disappointed’ when they heard about the protest.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken additional measures to protect the safety and well-being of the youth and families we care for, as well as our staff,” he said.

“The small group planning the disruption is known for regularly protesting diversity and inclusion, which is contrary to our values.

‘We would encourage anyone planning to take part to consider the impact on the young people who rely on our mental health services.’

Mr Andrews’ appointment to the role has drawn criticism due to the 262-day lockdown Victorians endured during Covid, which experts have called out for damaging the mental health of young people.

One of those experts was Orygen director, Professor Patrick McGorry.

The children’s advocacy group Leave our Kidz Alone planned a protest against Andrews’ appointment

Prof McGorry told ABC’s 7.30 in July 2021 that lockdowns were affecting the mental health of all Victorians, but especially young people.

“We’ve seen a surge in demand, a surge in the need for care,” he said.

“But we were unable to comply because of the level of resources we actually had.”

‘We cannot continue to endure these lockdowns. I think people are completely over it.

‘[Lockdowns] undermines well-being… the joy of life.

‘Morale is suffering…’ [and] there is the impact on social connection, social cohesion.’

Three years later, Professor McGorry supported Andrews’ appointment as chairman.

“With two decades of leadership in mental health reform, Dan Andrews will be an excellent leader for Orygen and in the field of youth mental health,” said Professor McGorry.

People gather on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House to celebrate Andrews stepping down as prime minister last year

Despite the lockdown having led to a flurry of presentations on youth mental health, Orygen director Professor Patrick McGorry welcomed Mr Andrews’ appointment

‘Mr Andrews has a proven track record of being a driver of change with a strategic mindset, which will be invaluable to Orygen as we continue to lead youth mental health reform, while dealing with funding challenges to secure support we need to support our vital work.”

In a study of the pandemic’s impact on suicide in Victoria, the National Library of Medicine concluded that Covid was a “major background stressor that can erode a person’s well-being, sense of agency and connection with others.”

Orygen reported in September that there had been “an alarming increase in deaths by suicide among young people in Victoria, with incidents among the 18 to 24 population up 48 per cent compared to the same time last year.”

Last year, a record number of Victorians died by suicide, with 801 people taking their own lives, including 73 people aged 18 to 24 and 26 under 18 – the highest figure in five years.

Mr Andrews is expected to earn $225,000 during his three-year term at Orygen, which is on top of his taxpayer-funded pension that costs Victorians more than $300,000 a year.