Human rights versus risk aversion: Why involuntary treatment is increasing in this state
Professor Neeraj Gill said risk aversion was a factor behind the high rates of treatment orders.
Almost a decade ago, new mental health legislation in Queensland aimed to minimise involuntary treatment of people with disabilities and severe mental illness.
The Mental Health Act 2016 tried to shift the focus to less restrictive options.
But instead, involuntary treatment orders — called treatment authorities under the act — have kept rising.
Queensland psychiatrist Professor Neeraj Gill has conducted research that has found the number of community and inpatient treatment authorities increased by 50% from 2014 to 2024.
