Cabinet decision summary for the week of 3 July 2023
Cabinet date: 5 July 2023
Government Response to Standing Committee Reports on the Inquiry into Annual and Financial Reports 2021-22 (EGEE, ECI, ECCB, HCW and PTCS)
Minute Number: 23/312/CAB
Cabinet agreed Government Responses to Reports on the Inquiry into Annual and Financial Reports 2021-2022 by the following ACT Legislative Assembly Standing Committees: Economy and Gender and Economic Equality; Education and Community Inclusion; Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity; Health and Community Wellbeing; and Planning Transport and City Services.
Under the requirements of the ACT Government Cabinet Handbook, no Wellbeing Impact Assessment was required for this item.
Mental Health Act 2015 Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/39/CAB
Cabinet agreed to prepare amendments to the Mental Health Act 2015.
Amendments to the Mental Health Act 2015 (the Act) will enhance the provision of care for people subject to the Act. The amendments will assist emergency responders to better manage transport of people with acute mental episodes ensuring transport is safe and more efficient for all involved. The refinement of contravention criteria for mental health order provisions will ensure safe and timely treatment for people subject to mental health orders, match modern day communications and technology, and ensure mental health treatment is continued where required. Vulnerable patients subject to involuntary detention will receive timely and appropriate examinations to ensure decisions are made to provide the most appropriate and least restrictive treatment, care or support for a mental illness or mental disorder. Decision makers will consider the most appropriate mental health facilities to house people, providing acute treatment, care or support in a least restrictive and relevant manner. The Chief Psychiatrist will appoint mental health officers, relieving the Minister for Mental Health of this authority. The Bill will also ensure that the use of spit hoods is not an available restrictive practice that is permissible under the Act.
Mental Health Act 2015 Amendment Bill 2023
Minute Number: 23/39/CAB
Cabinet agreed to prepare amendments to the Mental Health Act 2015.
Amendments to the Mental Health Act 2015 (the Act) will enhance the provision of care for people subject to the Act. The amendments will assist emergency responders to better manage transport of people with acute mental episodes ensuring transport is safe and more efficient for all involved. The refinement of contravention criteria for mental health order provisions will ensure safe and timely treatment for people subject to mental health orders, match modern day communications and technology, and ensure mental health treatment is continued where required. Vulnerable patients subject to involuntary detention will receive timely and appropriate examinations to ensure decisions are made to provide the most appropriate and least restrictive treatment, care or support for a mental illness or mental disorder. Decision makers will consider the most appropriate mental health facilities to house people, providing acute treatment, care or support in a least restrictive and relevant manner. The Chief Psychiatrist will appoint mental health officers, relieving the Minister for Mental Health of this authority. The Bill will also ensure that the use of spit hoods is not an available restrictive practice that is permissible under the Act.