Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has joined the board of beyondblue as a director.

Chairman Jeff Kennett said he was honoured to see Ms Gillard join the mental health organisation.

“Julia Gillard will not only bring a great deal of experience to our board, but importantly the passion for the sector that drove her in government to establish the National Disability (Insurance) Scheme,” Mr Kennett said on Thursday.

“For many of those who suffer disability, and their carers, depression can be an ever present condition.”

Gillard said she was delighted to make a contribution in an area she felt passionate about.

“As the daughter of a psychiatric nurse, I have always understood the need to talk openly about mental health and respond to those in need,” she said.

Kennett, a former Victorian Liberal premier, said much of beyondblue’s success had been driven by the bipartisan support it received from politicians.

“Ms Gillard’s appointment only reinforces that bipartisanship,” he said.

Gillard will attend her first beyondblue board meeting in February.

– AAP