Mental Tribunal deception exposed by audio record

Media release June 25, 2010

Mental Tribunal deception exposed by audio record

“In the Supreme Court yesterday the Mental Health Review Tribunal admitted that it had been wrong, and supplied a document called ‘Reasons for Decision’. The audio record of the Tribunal hearing had showed that the patient Mr Saeed Dezfouli was right, and entitled to have his appeal heard” said Justice Action Coordinator Brett Collins.

“Previously the Tribunal had refused to produce any documents and denied making any decision, asserting that the patient hadn’t asked for changes to his treatment. It joined the Attorney General in a letter (attached) in which they made that denial and also threatened the patient with costs if he didn’t withdraw his appeal” said Mr Collins.

“It is outrageous that the Tribunal responsible for supervision of all the state’s mental health coercive powers denied the existence of a document it had on file, to avoid being accountable. The abuse of care is clearly led from the top. It is accepted that this is the test case on consumer (mental health patient) rights and the Tribunal’s powers” said Mr Collins.

“Mr Dezfouli, despite being a non-violent patient who never intended any harm, has been held in the highest security cell for eight years. He is forcibly injected every fortnight; and is refused a change of psychiatrist, education and exercise. He is not permitted new visitors and the rules aren’t even stated. This case shows an appalling abuse of power masked as health care, costing over $200,000 a year,” said Mr Collins.

Pauline Wright and Graham Turnbull SC are representing Mr Dezfouli. The case is listed for a hearing date on Monday July 12.

A report on health care for detainees will be launched next week called the OUR PICK Report. It deals with problems such as exposed in this case. Embargoed copies are available on request.

More information on website: http://tinyurl.com/ydplj5h
Justice Action