From principles to practice: Clarifying new obligations under Victoria's Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.

Abstract

To explain the new test for complying with the mental health principles under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (Vic). The principles carry over limitations from the previous Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic) while also containing new features. The 'all reasonable efforts to comply' and 'proper consideration' tests resemble the existing test under section 38(1) of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) that also apply to public mental health services. Taking these duties together, public mental health services, including hospital and community mental health boards, clinical directors and clinical governance processes, will need to show concrete evidence of specific rights and/or principles being deliberated in their decisions.