Announcing our Patron: Allan Fels

We are honoured to announce Professor Allan Fels AO as an inaugural Patron of ASoP.

Professor Fels brings a distinguished career spanning law, economics, public service, and mental health advocacy.

He served as the inaugural Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) from 1995 to 2003, following his leadership of its predecessor agencies.

In academia, Professor Fels was Foundation Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) and is Professorial Fellow at both the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

His contributions to mental health policy are extensive: he chaired the National Mental Health Commission from 2012 to 2018 and has held numerous roles in sector reform and advocacy, including as Chair of the Haven Foundation which supports people with persistent mental illness.

Professor Fels' unique blend of regulatory, academic, and advocacy experience makes him a powerful champion for ASoP's mission — advocating for high-quality mental health care and the vital role of psychiatrists in Australia.