• Each state and territory has developed their own mental health law framework. Although there are some similarities you should refer to the law in your own state or territory to ensure you have the right information about your rights and responsibilities.
• The mental health law framework in each state and territory consists of legislation (written law) and regulations. There are governmental policy documents and guidelines that help lawyers and judges interpret and apply those rules. A list of the basic laws for each state and territory are provided in our FAQ section.
• The relevant law and links to services for each state and territory can be found at the locations listed below.
• Australian Capital Territory:
  • ACT Health: http://www.health.act.gov.au/health-services/mental-health-justice-health-alcohol-drug-services;
  • Mental Health Foundation: http://www.mhf.org.au/services-directory/item/act-civil-and-administrative-tribunal;
• New South Wales:
  • NSW Health: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mhdao/pages/default.aspx;
  • NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal: http://www.mhrt.nsw.gov.au/the-tribunal/;
• Western Australia:
  • WA Mental Health Commission: http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mentalhealth_changes/mh_legislation.aspx;
  • WA Mental Health Advocacy Service: http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mentalhealth_changes/mh_legislation/Mental_Health_Advocacy_Service.aspx;
  • Western Australia Mental Health Tribunal: http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/Libraries/pdf_docs/7_Tribunal.sflb.ashx;
• South Australia
  • SA Health: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/Health+services/Mental+health+services/;
  • Mental Health Coalition of South Australia: http://mhcsa.org.au/;
• Tasmania:
  • Tasmania Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/mentalhealth/mhs_tas;
  • Mental Health Service Helpline: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/mentalhealth/mhs_tas/gvt_mhs/mental_health_service_helpline;
• Northern Territory:
  • Northern Territory Department of Health: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Mental_Health/index.aspx
• Victoria
  • Victoria Department of Health: http://health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/;
  • Mental Health Tribunal: http://www.mht.vic.gov.au/;
• Queensland
  • Queensland Health: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/mentalhealth/abt_mental/abt.asp;
• In some states and territories there are special rules contained in a charter that affect the interpretation of mental health law. For example:
  • South Australian Charter of Rights for people who experience mental health issues found at http://health.act.gov.au/health-services/mental-health-act/charter-of-rights;
  • Charter for Mental Health Care NSW found at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mhdao/Pages/charter.aspx; and

Victorian Charter of Human Rights & Responsibilities found at http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php/the-charter.