Members of the community are being called on to share their experiences of South Australia’s mental health laws as the first stage of a review into the State’s Mental Health Act by the South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI).
Director of SALRI at the University of Adelaide, John Williams said the Institute was particularly interested in hearing about the ways in which the Mental Health Act 2009 (SA) and practice could be improved.
“Mental health laws can significantly impact upon the rights of consumers, particularly in the context of involuntary treatment orders,” Professor Williams said.
“It is vital to ensure that the law strikes the right balance between sometimes conflicting priorities and remains consistent with international human rights law, principles and frameworks,” he said.
Professor Williams said the review was an important opportunity to investigate current law and practice and to identify any areas for reform.
“This ensures the law remains effective in providing a suitable framework for mental health services in South Australia,” he said.
“It is vital to ensure that the law strikes the right balance between sometimes conflicting priorities and remains consistent with international human rights law, principles and frameworks.”
SALRI is an independent nonpartisan law reform body formed by an agreement between the Attorney-General of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and the Law Society of South Australia.
Professor Williams said that as part of the review, SALRI would recommend appropriate changes; consider the findings of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System; consider whether changes to the legislation could improve access to mental health services; and determine the effectiveness of establishing the role of Mental Health Commissioners under the Act.
According to its terms of reference from the Government, SALRI will not examine the provision or delivery of mental health services, although it acknowledges there were very real issues and needs in this area.
Submissions are open until 14 July and can be made through the YourSAy website at this PS News link.
