Statutory Review of the Mental Health Act (2014)
Background
The Mental Health Act (2014) (the Act) provides for the treatment, care, support and protection of people who have a mental illness; the protection of the rights of people who have a mental illness; and the recognition of the role of families and carers in providing the best possible care and support to people who have a mental illness, in the least restrictive environment.
Review of the Mental Health Act (2014)
The Mental Health Commission is reviewing the Mental Health Act (2014) and undertook a six-month public consultation to obtain feedback to help inform the Review. The Commission heard from people who:
- Have received treatment under the Act;
- Have supported someone who received treatment under the Act;
- Work in the mental health sector, including as an advocate or volunteer;
- Have feedback about the operation and effectiveness of the Act.
PLEASE NOTE: The public consultation period closed in early 2022. Submissions are no longer being accepted.
The objectives of the Review are to:
- identify elements of the Act that work well;
- opportunities where the Act could be improved; and
- make recommendations to the Minister and Parliament
The results of the Review will inform the development of a report and recommendations that will be tabled in Parliament.
Discussion Paper
A discussion paper was prepared as a tool to assist the public in providing feedback; Statutory Review of the Mental Health Act (2014) Discussion Paper.
Extracts of the discussion paper are below: