Submission: Review of the ACT Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994 First Exposure Draft – Draft Amendment Bill

This comment notes the important changes to the Act including the addition of decision making capacity as a criterion for mental health orders, and a new awareness of human rights.

However, one notable issue with the Mental Health Act is the document’s inaccessibility and lack of clear information on legal pathways. ACTCOSS recommends a collaboration between relevant stakeholders including consumer advocacy bodies to develop a ‘plain English’ guide in order for people to have a clearer understanding of their rights and the step-by-step process of mental health orders.