About Us
The Mental Health Commission was established as a ministerial committee in response to the recommendations of the 1996 Mason Inquiry into Mental Health Services. Following the enactment of the Mental Health Commission Act 1998, the Commission was established as a Crown entity from 1 April 1998. The Commission’s term has been extended three times, the most recent in August 2007, when its term was extended to 2015.
The Mental Health Commission was established as a ministerial committee in response to the recommendations of the 1996 Mason Inquiry into mental health services. Following the enactment of the Mental Health Commission Act 1998, the Commission was established as an autonomous crown entity providing independent advice to the Minister of Health on matters relating to mental health.
The Commission's term has been extended three times, most recently in August 2007 when its term was extended to 2015 and its functions were reframed to align with the future direction of the mental health and addiction sector.
The Commision's day-to-day functions include monitoring the implementation of the second mental health strategy and acting as an advocate for the interests of service users and their families.
Three Mental Health Commissioners appointed by the Minister of Health set the Commission's strategic direction.