Mental Health Review Tribunal

The Tribunal considers cultural information to be an essential element of any review for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients. The clinical reports required to be prepared by a patient’s treating team ahead of a scheduled review contain provision for information to be included about a person’s cultural background. If a person identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, the treating team (including an Indigenous Mental Health Worker or Cultural Support Worker) should complete that section of the clinical report.

The types of information that may be relevant include:

• community of origin
• cultural identity
• languages spoken
• cultural and spiritual beliefs
• family and kinship dynamics
• grief and loss or sorry business
• men’s and women’s business
• cultural strengths

This information should be included in the cultural information section. Any support available in a patient’s community to help with their recovery may also be included. Information about a patient’s preference not to identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or engage with the available cultural supports may also be provided to the Tribunal.

Information about a person’s cultural beliefs and background can also be included in a self report completed by the patient themselves.

General Resources

Health Worker Resources