Ms Fiona Anderson:

I will just come in on the question of mental health tribunals. A section 28 hearing should be explained fully to the involuntary detainee. More often than not, an involuntary detainment order is revoked prior to the initial hearing. Many involuntary detainees are therefore not given the opportunity to have their voices heard and their rights considered and vindicated. Neither do they have the opportunity to stand their ground and defend their corner. Many do not have the skills, the confidence and the voice to speak on their own behalf. When legal representatives are appointed by the Mental Health Commission, they are there to protect the patient's interests, but they do not really know the story behind the person. A person is not just to be listened to but to be actively heard. I will leave it there.