Currently the South Australian Government is undertaking a Review of the Mental Health Act 2009 Report with the South Australian Law Reform Institute and we have written to the Chief Psychiatrist and presented our feedback. You can read our submission here.
The Mental Health Act 2009 (MHA) aims to ensure that people with severe mental illness receive a comprehensive range of services to facilitate their recovery and to live well in the community. The Act must be reviewed every five years submissions have now closed.
We found that what has been presented to date in this Review is very clear in presenting views of various stakeholders and practices of other States.
However, since SALRI completed this Review, the World Health Organisation and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have jointly developed the Mental health, human rights and legislation: guidance and practice October 2023. We also know that with the delivery of the Unmet Needs Report for Psychosocial Support Services, we know 19,000 South Australians with severe mental ill health are going without necessary psychosocial support services that could be keeping them well in the community.
With this in mind our submission to the Review addressed holistic services in the treatment of mental health challenges, further investigation into alternatives to the Emergency Department in public hospitals for mental health related attendances, the embedding of human rights in treatments and systems, and a statutory role of the Mental Health Commission.
Yet overall, we support the changes proposed by the SALRI Review and look forward to working with the Government and relevant departments on the implementation of the Recommendations and Suggestions.
