On 21 June 2022 the Victorian Government has introduced the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill into the Victorian Parliament.
The Bill supports the Royal Commission’s vision for an integrated, contemporary and adaptable mental health and wellbeing system. A system where lived experience is integral, and services are responsive to an individual’s needs and preferences.
The introduction of the Bill to Parliament is the first step in the legislative reform process. An Independent Review of compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of decision-making laws will commence in October 2022. The Minister for Health Martin Foley announced the Honourable Justice Shane Marshall AM has been appointed to Chair the Independent Review panel. The work of the Independent Review will be guided by Terms of Reference developed by consumers, families, carers, supporters, workers and service providers.
Once passed by Parliament, the new Act will commence approximately mid-2023. There is a long lead time to implement changes that will impact the sector, and work on implementation will be undertaken in partnership with the lived experience community, clinicians and the mental health and wellbeing sector.