After nine years as Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic is reflecting on the people, partnerships and progress that have shaped his time in the role. As he prepares to conclude his tenure, he says the greatest achievements have always been grounded in people and their willingness to work together to create positive change.
One of the changes he is most proud of is the growing leadership of people with lived-living experience across Queensland's mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention systems.
"What I'm most proud of is that people with lived-living experience, along with families and carers are now genuinely at the table. Not just present, but shaping decisions, leading conversations, and driving reform in a meaningful way."
For Commissioner Frkovic, this represents more than a policy achievement. It reflects a fundamental shift in how decisions are made.
"We've seen the growth of a strong peer workforce across public, private and non-government sectors, and the emergence of independent lived-living experience peaks."
"That didn't happen by chance, it's been a deliberate effort to move away from tokenism and ensure people have a real voice and real influence."
Reflecting on the broader reform journey, Commissioner Frkovic says Queensland has made significant progress through strong partnerships, shared commitment and sustained investment.
"We've built strong foundations through policy, investment and collaboration that position us to continue improving."
He points to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Mental Health as a defining moment during his tenure.
"It brought together reform, policy direction and meaningful investment, something you don't often see all at once."
While there have been major milestones along the way, Commissioner Frkovic says some of the most important achievements have come through persistence and steady progress.
"You learn to value the incremental progress because every step matters, but there are also moments where you see genuine system shift."
"Those moments remind you why the work is so important."
Looking to the future, Commissioner Frkovic says the next generation gives him confidence that reform will continue.
"Young people today have a deep understanding of mental health, alcohol and other drug challenges and suicide prevention and a clear vision for what a better system looks like."
"They're engaged, informed and ready to lead, that gives me real hope."
He is also encouraged by the increasing focus on prevention and addressing the factors that influence wellbeing long before a person reaches crisis point.
"We're seeing a stronger focus on early intervention and prevention, particularly for infants, children and young people."
"If we get in early, we can change life trajectories."
"We're also increasing responding to the social determinants and recognising that it is not just a health response. Employment, community, education and housing all play a role and are some of our key levers for improving wellbeing."
"That shift upstream, towards keeping people well rather than waiting for crisis, is one of the most important changes we've seen."
Throughout his time as Commissioner, one principle has remained constant.
"People matter, everyone matters."
"I've always tried to be accessible and to give people a voice."
"Whether it's someone working in the system or someone in the community who's never been heard before, it's about making sure they feel seen, heard and supported."
That commitment has also influenced how Commissioner Frkovic approaches his own wellbeing.
"For me, good mental health comes back to family, community and social connection."
"This work can be intense but having that sense of belonging, your 'village', is what keeps you grounded and well."
As he prepares for his next chapter, Commissioner Frkovic says he is looking forward to taking time to pause and reflect, while remaining optimistic about the continued reform of Queensland's mental health and wellbeing system.
"At its core, mental health and wellbeing reform is ongoing work. There's no finish line."
"Progress depends on all of us continuing to work together, government, services, communities, and people with lived experience, moving in the same direction."
Reflecting on his contribution, Commissioner Frkovic remains characteristically humble.
"No achievement is ever the work of one person alone."
"I am grateful to the many colleagues, stakeholders and Ministers who have contributed to this work over the years."
"Most importantly, I thank my family for their enduring support, which has enabled me to serve in this role with commitment and purpose."
And while his tenure as Commissioner is ending, his hopes for Queensland's future remain clear.
"I hope that, in some way, I've helped lay strong foundations for the future."
"We're not where we need to be yet, but we are on the road."
"It has been an honour to serve Queensland in this role, and I look forward to seeing the continued progress that lies ahead."