Canberrans have a couple more days to have their say on the future of mental health in the ACT, with consultation on the review of the Mental Health Act 2015 closing on 23 October 2026.
The ACT Government is reviewing parts of the Mental Health Act to ensure people can continue to access the best available treatment, care and support, while protecting their human rights and reflecting contemporary practice.
Community feedback will help identify how the legislation can better meet the needs of people who experience mental illness or disorders, as well as their families, kin, carers, and advocates.
To date the ACT Government has undertaken 20 targeted consultation sessions and received 15 written submissions as part of the Mental Health Act review. There have also been close to 100 survey responses. This feedback has provided valuable insights, however the ACT Government recognises there may be more people with lived experience, professional expertise and community perspectives who may wish to contribute.
Minister for Mental Health, Dr Marisa Paterson, said community input would be central to shaping future reforms.
"The Mental Health Act plays an important role in protecting people's rights and guiding mental health treatment and care. More than a decade after the Act was introduced, it is timely to consider whether it continues to meet the needs and expectations of our community.
"We particularly want to hear from people with lived and living experience, as well as families, kin, carers, advocates and mental health professionals.
"Their experiences and insights will help us identify what's working well and where improvements may be needed.
Feedback received during consultation will help inform recommendations to ensure the ACT's mental health legislation remains effective, rights-based and responsive to community needs.
Consultation closes on 23 October 2026.
With a strong response to consultation sessions so far, additional targeted consultation sessions will continue over the coming month to ensure a broad range of stakeholder voices are heard.
To have your say, visit: https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/mental-health-act-review.
Quotes attributable to Professor Anthony Cidoni, ACT Chief Psychiatrist:
"I would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback into the review so far, including consumers, carers and people with lived experience. Your contributions have been a valuable part of the consultation process for the review. Your feedback is helping us to better understand what is working well in the Mental Health Act and where change is needed. Feedback will be carefully considered as we develop the final review report for the Minister."
