Hansard - ACT Legislative Assembly

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 6 Hansard (22 June) . . Page.. 1651 ..

Mentally Ill People

(Question No. 137)

Mr Stanhope asked the Minister for Health and Community Care, upon notice:

In relation to the rights of mentally ill people---

(1) Were you consulted by the Attorney-General about amendments to the Mental

Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994 that will allow for people to be

detained in custody under the Act and appear before the Mental Health

Tribunal by audio-visual link? If so-

(a) were you advised by your department or The Canberra Hospital about

the implications for mentally ill people detained at the psychiatric unit

of The Canberra Hospital giving evidence to the Mental Health

Tribunal by audio-visual link rather than in person; and

(b) can a copy of the advice be provided?

(2) Did you consult with any non-government mental health advisory groups on

this matter?

(3) Can you confirm the advice of the Attorney-General to the Assembly on

25 March 1999, page 103 of proof Hansard, that hearings of the Mental

Health Tribunal concerning people detained at The Canberra Hospital with a

mental illness are held at the Magistrates Court?

(4) Are you satisfied that all mentally ill people will be able to communicate as

effectively with the Mental Health Tribunal via audio-visual links as they

might in person, and if so, on what basis did you come to this conclusion?

(5) Have you received professional media training designed in part to assist in

more effectively communicating by electronic audio-visual means? If so-

(b) can you advise whether your need for training indicates that people,

including those with a mental illness, will not necessarily be as able to

effectively communicate with the Mental Health Tribunal as if they

were appearing in person?

(6) Is it the case that some people with a mental illness will be disadvantaged as a

result of not being able to choose to appear before the Mental Health Tribunal

in person.