A FORMER Fair Work Commissioner will head up the independent inquiry into violent assaults at a Canberra mental health facility.

Under the inquiry’s Terms of Reference announced today (May 31), former Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission Barbara Deegan will chair the independent inquiry into Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, sparked by more than 100 reports of assaults of nurses in a six month period.

Mental Health Minister Emma Davidson said the inquiry will allow nurses to have their say on how to improve safety at the facility.

“Nurses were clear that any review must be done quickly,” said Ms Davidson.

“The Dhulwa Inquiry Terms of Reference outlines how the independent review will assess the facility’s operations over these past few years and what else can be done to improve outcomes for people receiving care, and workplace safety for staff, at the mental health unit.”

The terms state that a report will be provided 12 weeks after the inquiry commences.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), who first brought to light to the violence occurring at the unit, welcomed the Terms of Reference.

ANMF ACT branch secretary Matthew Daniel said they will actively support members to contribute to the “critical work” of the inquiry.