The Director-General of Health has announced the appointment of Dr John Crawshaw as Director of Mental Health.

"John is currently CEO Statewide and Mental Health Services in Tasmania," says Kevin Woods.  "We are fortunate to have someone with John's range of skills and experience.

"He is a graduate of Otago Medical School and had an extensive management, clinical and academic career in New Zealand before being recruited to Tasmania in 2003."

Dr Jonathan Coleman, Associate Health Minister, has welcomed the appointment to what he says is a critical health role.  "The Director not only fulfils several key statutory functions, he is also the Government's principal advisor on Mental Health - I look forward to working with him."

Dr Crawshaw has been in his current role since 2008 where his responsibilities include:

• Tasmania's state-run Mental Health Services
• Forensic Health Services (incorporating Forensic Mental Health and Correctional Primary Health Services)
• Alcohol and Drug Services
• Health and Well Being Services (Oral Health Services and Cancer Screening and Control)

He is also the Chief Forensic Psychiatrist at the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr Crawshaw is a member, General Council, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and his activities include chair of the RANZCP Board of Education.

He will take up his new role in Wellington on 14 November 2011.