These documents have been proactively released by the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Minister for Mental Health, Hon Matt Doocey.
On 1 October 2024 the Mental Health Bill was introduced to the House of Representatives. This Bill will repeal and replace the current Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.
The Mental Health Bill is intended to shift legislation authorising the use of compulsory mental health care towards a more rights-based and recovery approach. The Bill will ensure we better meet the needs of people when they need urgent intervention, and that legislation is only used as a last resort.
These documents outline Cabinet agreement to introduce the Mental Health Bill to the House.
Title of Cabinet paper:
- Mental Health Bill: Approval for Introduction
Titles of minutes:
- Report of the Cabinet Legislation Committee: Period Ended 20 September 2024 (CAB-24-MIN-0376)
- Mental Health Bill: Approval for Introduction (LEG-24-MIN-0184)
Some information in the Cabinet papers has been withheld under sections 9(2)(f)(iv) and 9(2)(h) of the Official Information Act 1982, to maintain the constitutional convention protecting the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers and officials and to maintain legal professional privilege. Additionally, some information in the Cabinet minutes has been withheld as it is out of scope of this proactive release.
Read more about the work that led us to this point and further information about the Bill.