The head of the Mental Health Foundation says people should not be held to a lower standard of behaviour because they live with mental health disorders but at the same time, it is important to be compassionate.
Shaun Robinson's comments come in the wake of Golriz Ghahraman's resignation from Parliament after accusations of shoplifting emerged.
When Ghahraman stood down, she said in a statement: “I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry."
“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them.
“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m sorry.
"It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well.
"The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.
“With that in mind, I don't want to hide behind my mental health problems, and I take full responsibility for my actions which I deeply regret."
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Robinson said while the former Green MP cited mental health issues, she didn't blame her behaviour on it.
"People who are experiencing mental distress should absolutely be held to account for their behaviour and our politicians are just the same as anybody else."
Robinson said he believes there needs to be better understanding that people can sometimes make poor choices and can often do so be when they're experiencing high pressures in life.
He said suffering mental distress was common, regardless of circumstance.
"Parliament and in fact any work place, need to make sure that it mitigates those challenges to people's mental health as much as possible."
All workplaces needed to help protect the mental and emotional wellbeing of their staff, under law.
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