In consultation with the sector, MHCC responds to policy and legislative reform through submissions to both State and Commonwealth governments, departments and human service agencies.
The principle concern raised in MHCC’s submission is that the Bill provides for a broader power for victims of forensic patients beyond what are the equivalent rights for victims of sentenced prisoners. We also provided some recommendations concerning language to be amended in line with contemporary ‘recovery’ terminology.
September 2018
The submission focused on planning challenges and the significant impacts of low pricing for working with people with complex needs. We call for more outreach to people with mental health conditions eligible for the NDIS, to take pressure off acute mental health services.
August 2018
MHCC commented that the language of the draft is not recovery-oriented, yet we support identification of people living with mental health conditions and people with cognitive impairments as two distinct groups, so that defendants receive appropriate support.
August 2018
MHCC supports the NSW Law Reform Commissions’ recommendations that give effect to a person’s will and preferences wherever possible, which would represent a ‘real win’ for people living with psychosocial disability in exercising choice and control.
February 2018
MHCC endorses establishment of a Public Advocate to respond to abuse and neglect in human service settings. MHCC also highlights the vital and complementary role that community advocates play, supporting individuals and minimising the need for matters to be brought to the Public Advocate.
February 2018
Whilst the community may generally favour a more conservative approach that seeks to curtail or deny rights to forensic patients surrounding leave and release, MHCC agree that the approach in current use balances the rights of all interested parties.
October 2017
Following an earlier submission to the Inquiry of 6 March 2017, MHCC took the opportunity to provide an update on relevant changes that occurred during the intervening six months affecting our original comments. Discussion mainly centred on the utilisation of the National Minimum Date Set which will enable the CMO sector to review of its role and capacity to sustain quality outcomes.
October 2017
MHCC have long advocated that the intentions of the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (the Act) be more clearly defined with regards to restrictive practices and observation.
September 2017
We agree that the Guardianship Act should “mirror” the expression used in the Trustee and Guardianship Act that financial management orders can be made for “the whole or part of the estate of a person” (s.40).
May 2017
Until CMO MoH funded programs are seen as key to long term outcomes for consumers and carers, and not separate to reforms and quality improvement, or as additional to mental health services provided by the public sector, their ability to measure quality and effectively plan for the future will be compromised.
March 2017
The opportunities and challenges presenting through NDIS implementation and other parallel mental health reforms are profound, and whilst supportive of the inclusion of people with psychosocial disability in the NDIS, MHCC highlighted the need to see tighter cross governmental accountabilities.
February 2017
MHCC appreciate that the Plan is a high level document describing the Government’s overarching future intentions for mental health services across contexts. However, the Plan provides little evidence of directions other than in very broad terms.
November 2016