Mental Health Act 2000 (2000 - )

The Mental Health Act 2000 had the full title: 'An Act about treating and protecting people who have mental illnesses, and for other purposes' (Act no.16/2000).

The Mental Health Act 2000 established the Mental Health Court to determine soundness of mind and fitness for trial, and the Mental Health Review Tribunal an 'independent statutory authority to safe guard the rights of people receiving involuntary treatment for mental illness'(Queensland Health, 2013). In addition the Mental Health Act 2000 shifted the compulsory involvement of the Police in particular mental health matters to health professionals such as Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses. Under the legislation Police can still assist but only if required.

The act focuses heavily on the rights of patients particularly those who are receiving involuntarily treatment whether in a hospital or the community. This focus includes the tightening of criteria for involuntary admission to psychiatric hospitals and involuntary treatment such as Electric Shock Therapy. The legislation also shortens the period of time that individual can be detained as involuntary in-patients, the period of time between reviews and assessments by psychiatric staff.