Tasmania’s draft Mental Health Bill 2011, which proposes reforms to the treatment and care of Tasmanians with mental illness, has been released for comment.

 

Health Minister, Michelle O’Byrne, said the draft Bill would ensure that the patient and their rights and interests are at the centre of the mental health system.

 

“This draft Bill represents a significant change to the legal framework for the treatment and care of Tasmanians with serious mental illness,” she said.

 

“It legislates for an independent body to decide on mental health treatment and its setting. What that means is that any decision that infringes an individual’s rights must be made by or reported to an independent tribunal.

 

“The draft Bill proposes one legislative framework, unlike the current Mental Health Act 1996, which sits alongside the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995.”

 

Ms O’Byrne said the draft Mental Health Bill 2011 reflected community issues and concerns raised during the review of the current Mental Health Act 1996.

 

Following consideration of community feedback, the draft Bill will be amended and finalised before it is introduced to Parliament by the end of 2011.

 

“We expect to implement the new Act over six-months.”

 

Ms O’Byrne said community feedback was essential for the legislation to work and encouraged comment in writing or at statewide community forums by Monday, 8 August 2011.

 

The draft Bill, explanatory guide and details on how to submit feedback is available here