Page 2738 - Week 09 - Thursday, 25 August 1994
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I quote briefly from the presentation speech that I made at that time:
The committee could not agree on how best to resolve the issues involved with reforming mental health legislation and, as a result, various members of the committee ... are not entirely happy with different parts of the Bill. However, the committee was unanimous in the belief that the regime we have at present is inadequate and that something needs to be done now.
Madam Speaker, may I add here my sincere thanks and recognition of the difficulties that my fellow committee members - in fact, all of us - had in finalising that work.
Since the tabling of the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Bill 1994 on 16 June and with today's debate nearing, I have received a number of letters from people stating their objections to the Bill or parts of the Bill. I acknowledge that they have their views. However, I note that, in many cases, those views are not dissimilar to views expressed to our committee and during the three- to four-year inquiry period leading up to our report. It goes without saying that any reform in the area of mental health will always need to be thoroughly debated and will probably always be controversial.
With the acceptance of the committee recommendations concerning ongoing monitoring of the processes, resources and the sunset clause provisions, I believe that the time has come to encourage positive adoption of this Bill in our community. The reforms are badly needed. I hope that the whole community, regardless of any doubts, will give this very important and much needed reform a chance to be effective. I am saying that on behalf of everyone in this place, I believe, for the sake of those in our community who actually need these reforms.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail Stage
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (5.00): Madam Speaker, I seek leave to move together the six amendments that have been circulated in the Minister's name.
MADAM SPEAKER: On behalf of the Minister?
MR LAMONT: On behalf of the Minister.
Leave granted.
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