New Board Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Professor Kuruvilla George to the Board of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).

Mr Clark said Professor George brings 34 years of experience and knowledge in mental health issues that affect marginalised groups in society, particularly the elderly and those from non-English speaking backgrounds.

“Professor George has made a significant contribution to the health profession in Victoria, using his research to advance the treatment and rights of elderly patients,” Mr Clark said.

“Professor George has published studies on access to community aged psychiatry services, depression among elderly patients from English and non-English speaking backgrounds, and mental health services in remote Victoria.”

Professor George is a Clinical Professor at Deakin University and a Clinical Associate Professor at Monash University.

Born in Singapore to Indian parents, Professor George attended secondary school at Raffles Institution in Singapore. In 1995 he migrated to Australia and is currently the Director of Aged Persons Mental Health at Eastern Health and Deputy Chief Psychiatrist for Victoria.

“With his extensive work on mental health, Professor George is well-placed to contribute to the Commission’s work, particularly in the areas of disability, mental impairment, age discrimination and the rights of those from non-English speaking backgrounds.”

Professor George holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and a Masters of Philosophy. He is a fellow of Royal Colleges of Psychiatrists in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“I congratulate Professor George on his appointment and look forward to his contribution to the VEOHRC Board,” Mr Clark said.