The Honourable Mr Paul Omodei, West Australian Leader of the Opposition, misused the term 'schizophrenic' to describe the Carpenter Government's policy on industrial relations. Omodei was quoted in The West Australian on 14.5.07, as saying of Carpenter: 'His comments are schizophrenic. It depends on where he is and who he is talking to as to what his views on industrial relations are.'
StigmaWatch contacted The Hon. Mr Omodei on 15.4.07 to let him know that using 'schizophrenic' in this way contributes to community misunderstanding of mental illness and perpetuates stereotypes.
StigmaWatch encouraged The Leader of the WA State Opposition to use more suitable language in future to describe duality.
On 22.5.07 Mr Omodei contacted StigmaWatch, stating: ' My comments were not designed to offend people with a mental illness. As Disability Services Minister for more than five years, I understand the issues faced by people with mental illness and their families, friends and carers.'
