3 May 2015
New draft Mental Health Bill released
The exposure draft Mental Health Bill 2015 released today brings systemic reforms for Queenslanders with mental health or drug and alcohol issues one step closer to being realised.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said:
“While I look forward to analysing the exposure draft in greater detail, it appears to include a number of new provisions that are welcome.
“One of those issues is strengthening safeguards for the inappropriate use of medication, such as for sedation, so this is most welcome,” Dr van Schoubroeck said.
“Importantly, the draft maintains the stronger protections for patients and increased transparency and accountability mechanisms that were included in the superseded Mental Health Bill 2014.”
Dr van Schoubroeck said there were several other areas identified by the Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council that the Commission would pay particular attention to, as it reviewed the Bill.
“The Commission will also consider the extent to which services and the Mental Health Review Tribunal are required under the Bill to consider the view of consumers and their families.”
Dr van Schoubroeck reiterated that government must ensure the very welcome reforms included in the draft Bill are adequately funded and well implemented.
“Consumers, families and carers must be involved in developing the policies and procedures underpinning the Bill’s implementation.
“We will be going through the draft Bill in detail in the coming weeks and welcome comments from the community to ensure that their views are reflected in our ongoing advice,” she said.
