Leadership role

The MHRT is constituted under the Mental Health Act 2007. The full-time Deputy Presidents, together with the MHRT President, are responsible for the legal leadership of the Tribunal, including oversight of 180 sessional Tribunal members, including

• part-time Deputy Presidents and legal members

• psychiatrist members

• other suitably qualified members, including psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and people with lived experience of mental health conditions or as carers

Civil and Forensic Divisions

The Civil Division reviews people scheduled or detained in health facilities for treatment following a finding that they are a mentally ill person, with a risk of harm to themselves or others. It also makes orders for involuntary treatment in the community (CTO), Financial management orders (FMO) and orders for Electro convulsive Therapy (ECT).

The Forensic Division reviews forensic patients referred by the District and Supreme Courts of NSW after a finding of unfitness, or a special verdict of act proved not criminally responsible.  Some forensic patients are referred after imposition of a limiting term upon a qualified finding of guilt by the Supreme or District Court.

Full-time Deputy Presidents must be able to consider risk and make decisions about the care, treatment and control of forensic patients detained in secure facilities or conditionally released in the community.

Appointment arrangements

• The appointment is made under the Mental Health Act 2007. Fixed term appointment may be up to 7 years; however standard period is four years.

• The SOORT-determined MHRT salary and allowances can be found at the link below.

• Candidates may contact the MHRT President to discuss.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-remuneration-tribunals/soort/current-soort-decisions

What to include

Please provide your CV and a cover letter addressed to the President of the MHRT explaining:

• why you would like to be appointed to the MHRT

• how you would contribute to the Tribunal’s work

• your experience in mental health law

• other relevant experience, including management experience – a CV should be supplied in addition to cover letter, and two referees.

Ministry of Health governance requirements for appointment include provision of two referees and consent to a criminal record check.