The Territory Labor Government has released the details of a review into forensic mental health and disability services that will better deliver care to affected Territorians.

The Review of Forensic Mental Health and Disability Services within the Northern Territory examined forensic mental health service delivery, forensic disability services, health services in youth justice detention, community mental health and disability services for people leaving the criminal justice system, and legislation and court processes.

The Review made 21 recommendations, including:

• The development of a service model that combines disability and mental health services
• A review of the role of the Chief Psychiatrist
• Clinical service planning for mental health services, including forensic services 
• A discussion on the repurposing of the Complex Behaviour Unit (CBU) to a forensic facility catering for both mental health and disability presentations, and dual diagnosis.

The findings in the Review are based on the views of the panel with regard to best practice and appropriate policy responses in contemporary and comparable systems. 

The Territory Government has accepted all 21 recommendations either fully or in-principle. Those accepted in-principle have resource implications that may not be easily met in the current economic climate or require expert clinical knowledge that traditionally require long lead times to recruit to. However, the Government has committed to progressing the implementation of the recommendations in the long term.

Work has already begun on three of the recommendations:

• access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
•  review of the role of the Chief Psychiatrist
•  annual reporting on movement and numbers of forensic patients in the system

Mr David McGrath and an independent panel of experts conducted the Review, which follows Dr Peter Norrie’s 2018 independent review of Part IIA orders. 

The Review can be found here:  https://health.nt.gov.au/health-governance/nt-health-reviews

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The health, wellbeing and safety of Territorians is paramount.

“This Review and our response ensures there is continuous improvement in our management and treatment of people with mental illness, cognitive disabilities and mental impairment.”

*About Review Author David McGrath:

David McGrath runs his own independent consultancy business providing advice to government on areas of social policy. He was previously the Director of Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Programs at NSW Health and held that role for nine years. With a background in psychology, research, operational management, 15 years clinical experience, and a Masters degree in Business.

David is a technical advisor to the World Health Organisation on Mental Health and Human Rights. He has previously been on the NSW Psychologists Registration Board, the board of the Institute of Psychiatry, and the board of the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre. Additionally he was previously the Chair of the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs, and has represented Australia on four occasions at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.