Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge has unveiled a plan to use a series of in depth discussions to "promote robust debate and discussion" on ways to improve mental health care and Victorian mental health laws.

 

“In order to bring genuine debate on areas of contention in the draft Bill, I am also initiating a series of consultations around critical areas of reform,’ Ms Wooldridge said.

 

The Exposure Draft Mental Health Bill has received an extended publication date to ensure that "anyone who wanted to make a submission had sufficient time to do so."

 

Since the extension was issued, the government has received over 100 submissions from people suffering from a mental illness as well as families and carers of those suffering.

 

The Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and the Victorian Mental Health Carers Network will also be hosting dedicated consumer and carer discussions.

 

Victoria's Mental Health Act 1986 is the oldest continuing mental health legislation in Australia.

 

The consultations, which are open to the public, will be held on the following dates.

 

Tuesday 22 March 9.45am – 12.00pm – round-table will discuss independent oversight of electroconvulsive therapy for compulsory patients. (Level 1, Lecture Room, Royal College of Surgeons, 250 – 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne 3002).


Thursday 24 March 9.45am – 12.00pm – round-table will discuss patient information privacy and the provision, disclosure and collection of patient information. (Level 1, Lecture Room, Royal College of Surgeons, 250 – 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne 3002).


Thursday 24 March 1.45 pm – 4.00 pm – round-table will look at the legislative framework governing the treatment of children and young people. (Level 1, Lecture Room, Royal College of Surgeons, 250 – 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne 3002).


Thursday 31 March 9.45am – 12.00pm – round-table will look at issues including consent and capacity in a compulsory treatment framework. (Level 1, Room 1.01, Department of Health, 50 Lonsdale Street).