Robb steps down to deal with depression

Senior Liberal Andrew Robb, one of the opposition's star performers, is to take
three months' leave to undergo treatment for depression in a move his colleagues say
will help others confront their own mental health problems.
Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull has already reassigned Mr Robb's frontbench
responsibilities with his portfolio of advising on emissions trading design going to
Ian Macfarlane, the shadow minister for energy and resources.
But his departure comes at a difficult time for an opposition divided on emissions
trading and under regular attack from the government determined to push its own
emissions scheme through parliament.
Mr Robb, a former federal director of the Liberal Party and Howard government
minister, has revealed he has been diagnosed with a biochemical disorder known as
diurnal variation - a malady he has suffered his whole life without knowing about
the condition.
He said he only had the condition diagnosed after contacting beyondblue chairman,
former Victorian Liberal premier Jeff Kennett, six weeks ago.
"I thought it was just that I wasn't good in the mornings," he told News Limited.
"It's like a little black dog has been visiting me every morning for most of my life.
"It's just been part of my life and manageable."
Mr Kennett said Mr Robb was taking the right decision in taking leave from the
frontbench for treatment.
"Andrew is saying he needs time to get over his illness. And then he like others
before him expects to return in full health to his duties," Mr Kennett told Sky
News.
"He is showing to the community at large just how far we have come in better
understanding depression and mental illness generally. That is a huge step forward
for our community."
Mr Kennett said many people, particularly men, remained unwilling to seek help to
identify what was causing their depression or anxiety.
"Increasingly more people are reaching out for help," he said.
"The road to a healthy recovery is to admit that you need to seek professional help."
Mr Robb's longstanding depression came as a complete surprises to colleagues, among
them fellow frontbencher Christopher Pyne.
"I sit next to him in the chamber. Whether it's my insensitivity or his capacity to
cover it, I have never noticed anything being amiss," Mr Pyne told AAP.
Mr Pyne said Mr Robb was showing courage in publicly confronting a depressive
illness and seeking the treatment he needed.
This would encourage others to seek treatment, he said.
"When someone like (former WA premier) Geoff Gallop or (former NSW opposition
leader) John Brogden or Andrew Robb indicate that they have a mental health issue
and they are seeking treatment, it destigmatises what is sometimes regarded as an
illness that people don't wish to speak about," he said.
Mr Turnbull said Mr Robb would continue to serve in the parliament and provide
guidance to the opposition on his portfolio areas.
"We all wish Andrew a speedy recovery from his illness and look forward to his early
return to active duties on our frontbench," he said.
Mr Robb's responsibilities for the Council of Australian Governments will be handled
in his absence by shadow assistant treasurer Tony Smith.
His responsibilities for infrastructure will be handled by the opposition spokesman
for local government and housing Scott Morrison."
Acting prime minister Julia Gillard said the thoughts and best wishes of the
government and Australian community were with Mr Robb and his family.
"Andrew Robb's decision to talk publicly about his battle with this form of
depression is a truly courageous one," she said in a statement.
"The government looks forward to the return of Andrew Robb to the Australian
parliament and the opposition frontbench."