Mental Health Act under review

A review of Queensland’s Mental Health Act 2000 will include feedback from the State’s new Mental Health Commission to support better mental health strategies and community needs.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the Act had been in place for more than 10 years and it was time to review its effectiveness.

“We need to ensure mentally ill people are provided with appropriate clinical treatment and treated fairly in the judicial system,” Mr Springborg said.

“We also need to ensure the community is protected and that victims of crime are supported throughout the legal process.”

Mr Springborg said a key priority was to seek views on how the Act could be improved.

“The Mental Health Act deals with complex issues in our community and we need to ensure it is working to protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.

“The review will look at possible improvements to court and tribunal processes and consider its effect in rural and remote areas.”

Queensland’s first Mental Health Commissioner, Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck, will begin work next week.

“The Mental Health Commission is the key co-ordinating agency and comes into effect from July 1,” he said.

“It will aim to transform mental healthcare and drug and alcohol services in Queensland.

“It will also improve the coordination and transparency of clinical services and other human services and focus on outcomes, recovery, social inclusion and community wellbeing.”

Mr Springborg said a public consultation paper would be developed once the issues were identified.

“This Government values community engagement in order to achieve the best outcome and the most appropriate changes in the legislation,” he said.

Anyone who wishes to make a submission to the review can access the Terms of Reference at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 28 June 2013
Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585230