New President appointed to Mental Health Tribunal

  • Dr Andrew Lu AM appointed as new Mental Health Tribunal President
  • President oversees the Tribunal's operations as an independent decision-making body safeguarding the rights of involuntary mental health patients in WA
  • Dr Andrew Lu AM has been appointed as President of the Mental Health Tribunal of Western Australia for a five-year term.

    Dr Lu will lead the Tribunal in its role to safeguard the rights of people who are subject to involuntary treatment orders under the Mental Health Act 2014 (WA).

    As part of his role as President, Dr Lu will support respectful, fair hearings which encourage participation from patients, carers and families and result in a consistent, just decision in every matter.

    Most recently, Dr Lu has been a partner and head of the national Health Industry practice of law firm HBA Legal, specialising in medical defence, health and aged care liability and vocational regulation.

    In addition, he is an experienced mediator and a sessional member of the State Administrative Tribunal, a deputy member of the WA Reproductive Technology Council, Adjunct Professor of Curtin Law School, and a practiced company director.

    Dr Lu is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Law, a research Doctorate in Law, and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2008. In 2021 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Arts, to the Law, and to legal education.

    For more information about the Mental Health Tribunal, visit www.mht.wa.gov.au

    As stated by Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

    "I am pleased to announce Dr Andrew Lu AM as Mental Health Tribunal President for the next five years.

    "Dr Lu is a conscientious solicitor with substantial experience making him well-placed to lead the Mental Health Tribunal in its independent reviews of involuntary treatment orders.

    "Aligning with the values of the Mental Health Tribunal, Dr Lu will lead the provision of accessible justice for those whose rights are affected by decisions made under the Mental Health Act 2014 (WA) with fairness, impartiality, competence and integrity.

    "I also acknowledge outgoing Tribunal President Karen Whitney and thank her for her service."

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