About the Tribunal

The Mental Health Review Tribunal (known as the Tribunal or the MHRT) is an independent decision making body under the Mental Health Act 2016 . The Tribunal is not part of any health service or treating team and its primary purpose is to review the involuntary status of persons with a mental illness and/or intellectual disability. The Tribunal also provides approval for the performance of electroconvulsive therapy and non-ablative neurosurgical procedures.

In making its decisions, the Tribunal must balance the rights of the patient with the rights of others, including victims of unlawful acts, and the need to protect the community. Further, in exercising its jurisdiction, the Tribunal must act independently and is not subject to direction or control by any entity, including any Minister.

The Tribunal consists of a President, Deputy President and approximately 100 members. There is also an Executive Officer and other staff necessary for the Tribunal to exercise its jurisdiction.