The ACT has a mixed bag of advanced and archaic laws on mental health and human rights, according to a paper issued last week by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
The report said, “”The Legislative provisions covering people with mental illness in the ACT are a patchwork of some of the oldest provisions in force in Australia and the most recent.”
It said there were still significant areas not covered by legislation.
On the other hand, it cited provisions for the appointment of a separate representative for a minor in proceedings under the Mental Health Act. And it cited the provisions under the Discrimination Act prohibiting discrimination against the mentally impaired, but it said there were no provisions protecting the confidentiality of those subject to the Mental Health Act and there were no provisions for voluntary admission to a psychiatric hospital.
In general the report listed a large range of legislative provisions that protected the rights of the mentally ill, including provisions for review of administrative procedures, complaints and procedural safeguards.