The Chief Psychiatrist has a number of powers and functions relating to mental health services and people experiencing mental illness, derived from the:
- Mental Health Act 2009
- Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935
- Suicide Prevention Act 2021
- Health Care Act 2008
The Chief Psychiatrist may also have additional powers and functions assigned by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and the Chief Executive of SA Health.
The Chief Psychiatrist and the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist are primarily responsible for:
- Administering and monitoring the use of the Mental Health Act 2009
- Monitoring and improving the delivery and standard of mental health care
- Monitoring the treatment and care of patients
- Conducting inspections and investigations
- Publishing an Annual Report
- Advising the Minister and reporting on matters of concern
The Chief Psychiatrist also provides advice and support for other legislation that overlaps with the Mental Health Act 2009, including the Advance Care Directives Act 2013, Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 and the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993.
Current versions of all Acts are available at the SA Legislation website.