Queensland’s Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck has responded to recent questions about the role of limited community treatment orders in Queensland.
She said there are so many factors in these situations, and that families and victims have the right to be heard.
“I completely appreciate the trauma these sorts of situations have on families,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
“I absolutely believe we need to hear their voices, both in questioning public policy and in the development of public policy.
“As governments weigh up the balance between victims and offenders our oversight processes need to be transparent and rigorous.
“Limited community treatment orders are an important part of the return to recovery for offenders with a history of mental illness and we need to keep them - but with appropriate oversight.
“We have to trust our judiciary make decisions on the balance of facts.
“I will be weighing up the views of stakeholders in preparing my submission on the review of the Mental Health Act over the coming months,” she said.
The Mental Health Act is currently under review and the general public can have their say on the discussion paper, available at
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Further information
- Download media statement: Mental Health Commissioner responds to questions about the Mental Health Act
- Read more about the Queensland Mental Health Commission’s work on the Mental Health Act 2000 review
- Click here to download and read the Mental Health Act review discussion paper (PDF)
- Click here to view the discussion paper, review publications and supporting documents on the Queensland Health website
Media contact: Leanne Brearley 0410 673 322
