The Victorian Mental Health Act 1986 provides a legislative framework for the care, treatment and protection of people with mental illness in Victoria.

The Mental Health Act establishes procedures for initiating involuntary treatment, making involuntary treatment orders and independent review by the Mental Health Review Board.

Key features of the Mental Health Act are its emphasis on rights and the requirement that treatment should be provided in the least possible restrictive environment and in the least possible intrusive manner.

The Mental Health Act provides that interference with the rights, privacy, dignity and self-respect of people with mental illness must be kept to the minimum necessary in the circumstances.

Mental Health Act 1986 - Review

An Exposure Draft Mental Health Bill 2010 has been prepared for public comment. An Explanatory Guide has also been prepared which sets out the main features of the Bill and aims to assist stakeholders and community members to provide feedback on the proposed new Mental Health Act. Further information about the review is available at Mental Health Act 1986 - Review

Where to get a copy of the Mental Health Act 1986

Copies of the Mental Health Act 1986 and the Mental Health Regulations 1998 can be viewed or downloaded from the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website.

Hard copies of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Health Regulations can be purchased from the Victorian Government Bookshop, 505 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000, or on 1300 366 356 for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia or +613 9603 9900 for international callers.

Disclaimer

The information provided on these pages is intended as general information about the Mental Health Act 1986 and not as legal advice. If individuals or health service providers have queries about their obligations under the Mental Health Act they should obtain independent legal advice.