A New Mental Health Act for Tasmania
On Monday, 27 June 2011 the Minister for Health released the exposure draft of the Mental Health Bill 2011 for public comment. The Bill has been developed to address the issues and concerns raised by stakeholders during the review of the Mental Health Act 1996.
A significant consultation process is being undertaken to seek feedback from all stakeholders about whether or not the draft exposure Bill appropriately achieves what it sets out to achieve, and addresses the issues raised in previous consultation processes.
The consultation period has been extended from six to 12 weeks, and the closing date for feedback is now Monday, 19 September 2011
The draft Bill, an accompanying Explanatory Guide and various background documents are available for download from this page.
Written Feedback: Written submissions can be emailed to mhact@dhhs.tas.gov.au or posted to:
New Mental Health Act
Statewide and Mental Health Services
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO Box 125
HOBART TAS 7001
Online feedback: A form has been designed to assist individuals who wish to provide feedback online. The form can be accessed from this link.
Verbal feedback: Verbal feedback can be provided by phoning (03) 6230 7929.
The Bill proposes a significant reform for Tasmania in the treatment and care of people experiencing mental illness and your feedback is important to ensuring the legislation will work in practice.
All feedback received during the consultation process will be carefully considered and the draft Bill will be amended as necessary. The Bill will then be finalised and introduced to Tasmanian Parliament. It is envisaged that the legislation will be implemented over a period of at least six months.
To obtain a hard copy of any of the documents available for download from this page, to indicate your interest in attending a community forum, or if you have any questions about the consultation process or development of Tasmania’s new Mental Health Act please contact:
New Mental Health Act
Statewide and Mental Health Services
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO Box 125
HOBART TAS 7001
Tel: (03) 6230 7929
Fax: (03) 6230 7739
Email: mhact@dhhs.tas.gov.au
Draft Exposure Bill Explanatory Guide
Mental Health Act Review Discussion Paper
Mental Health Act Review Issues Paper