Australian Associated Press | AAP
A panel of medical and legal experts
will decide whether criminals with mental health issues should
be released into the community, under new legislation passed
through the NSW parliament today.
Victims of crime have expressed their support for the new laws, which will give them the opportunity to voice their opinions on conditions set for released prisoners, the NSW government says.
The laws, which come into effect on February 28, will affect patients who have been found not guilty due to mental illness, those who are not fit to stand trial and those who become mentally ill in jail.
"The new legislation means the decision-making for this very important process will now be in the hands of medical and legal experts," Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Barbara Perry said in a statement.
"(It's) a win-win for patients, victims, carers and families."
The Mental Health Review Tribunal's panel will include senior judicial members, forensic psychiatrists and other experts.
Victims of crime will also have an influence over the conditions of release.
"Patients will be released with appropriate conditions to ensure they receive suitable health care and that community safety is maintained and victims protected," Ms Perry said.
"Victims of crime are very supportive of this initiative.
"For the first time, they will have a right to access the decision-making process. They can voice their opinions and give input on a range of possible restrictions."
Under the new laws the government will still be able to appeal the tribunal's decision if there are concerns about public safety.
Victims of crime have expressed their support for the new laws, which will give them the opportunity to voice their opinions on conditions set for released prisoners, the NSW government says.
The laws, which come into effect on February 28, will affect patients who have been found not guilty due to mental illness, those who are not fit to stand trial and those who become mentally ill in jail.
"The new legislation means the decision-making for this very important process will now be in the hands of medical and legal experts," Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Barbara Perry said in a statement.
"(It's) a win-win for patients, victims, carers and families."
The Mental Health Review Tribunal's panel will include senior judicial members, forensic psychiatrists and other experts.
Victims of crime will also have an influence over the conditions of release.
"Patients will be released with appropriate conditions to ensure they receive suitable health care and that community safety is maintained and victims protected," Ms Perry said.
"Victims of crime are very supportive of this initiative.
"For the first time, they will have a right to access the decision-making process. They can voice their opinions and give input on a range of possible restrictions."
Under the new laws the government will still be able to appeal the tribunal's decision if there are concerns about public safety.