Online Communication Restrictions for Forensic Patients Released by the Mental Health Review Tribunal

Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

1st House

2nd House

Law

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Mental Health Review Tribunal can ban or restrict a forensic patient's use of social media; this applies when the Tribunal orders the patient's release.
The Tribunal must include at least one judicial officer; this applies to orders for a forensic patient's release or leave of absence.
The judicial requirement does not apply to leave of absence orders if the patient is escorted by facility staff.
Magistrates are now eligible for appointment as President or Deputy President of the Tribunal.
Presidents and Deputy Presidents who hold judicial office keep their tenure and privileges.
These judicial members receive the higher of their two remuneration packages; they cannot receive both.

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