CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher has announced the passage of new laws surrounding mental health.

“These laws are culmination of seven years of work which involved close consultation with mental health organisations, medical professionals and most importantly those who are living with mental illnesses and their families,” Katy said.

“The Government believes that mental health patients should be afforded the same opportunity to have a view about their treatment plan as any other patient, if they have the capacity to do so, and I am glad that these laws now enshrine these rights in legislation.”

The Amendment Bill introduces a number of measures which will recognise an increased role for individuals in deciding their own treatment, including:

• consideration of a person’s decision making capacity before making an involuntary treatment order;
• the opportunity to make Advance Consent Directions about treatment when the person is well and has capacity;
• the opportunity to appoint a Nominated Person to help convey the individuals preferences for treatment.

“The Bill will also introduce Forensic Mental Health orders, which provide increased oversight of treatment for some people with mental illness or mental disorders that are involved with the Justice system. These measures will help to ensure equal access to treatment for this often highly stigmatised group.

“People who have been affected by the offending behaviour of someone with a mental illness or disorder who is not convicted, will now have similar access to information affecting their safety and an opportunity to express their concerns as victims of crime.”