Human Rights protection frameworks for people being treated involuntarily for a mental illness: Literature review

Abstract

This project examined the oversight mechanisms to protect the human rights of people with a mental illness who receive involuntary treatment in hospital and in the community in Queensland, under the new Queensland Mental Health Act (MH Act).The study consisted of a literature and policy review and interviews with mental health consumers, family members, carers, and stakeholders. The Queensland Mental Health Act 2016 commenced in March 2017. The new MH Act seeks to strengthen human rights protections, however, there is a need to ensure these rights are made a reality and are practically enforceable. The research findings from this research project will inform the Queensland Mental Health Commission’s input into the review of the new MH Act in 2019