RESPONSE TO KEY FINDINGS DISCUSSION PAPER FOR THE NEW SA MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN
ALHR commends the SA Mental Health Commission for undertaking this review and for recognising a number of key themes related to the mental well-being of individuals with mental illness, including reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and promoting tailored responses for those experiencing mental illness.
However, it is the view of the ALHR that the discussion paper omits consideration of two important themes:
- the recognition of the human rights of individuals with mental illness, and
- what the future for mental health law might look like.
ALHR calls for the SA Mental Health Strategic Plan to be consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). ALHR urges the SA Mental Health Commission to review the Mental Health Act 2009 (SA), including the Mental Health (Review) Amendment Act 2016 (SA), with particular consideration to limiting the use of involuntary treatment, ending restrictive practices in all settings, and creating awareness campaigns for the broader public to end stigma and discrimination.