Find a mental health advocate
Rights and Support: legal and advocacy contacts in each state/territory
If you've experienced a hospital stay you didn’t choose, a treatment order or a tribunal hearing, it can leave you with questions and feeling like you don't have much say in the answers. It is hard to know who to call, and harder again when you are unwell, unsettled or worried about someone you love.
Every state and territory has legal services that can explain your rights and, in many places, represent you at a tribunal hearing. There are also consumer organisations led by people with lived experience, and carer organisations for families and kin. Eligibility and opening hours differ, so please check each before you call.
Lived Experience Australia (LEA) is a systemic advocacy organisation. We work on the policies, laws and services that shape mental health care for consumers, carers, families and kin, so we are not able to provide individual advocacy or legal advice. What we can do is point you to the people who can, and the contacts below are organised by state and territory.
Some people come to systemic advocacy after they have had to speak up for themselves or someone they care about. If that sounds like you, and you want things to be better for yourself and others through policy discussions and decisions, your experience is welcome in our work. You can find out how to get involved on our 'Get Involved' page.
Consumer advocacy organisations by State
Advocacy and support for families, carers, and kin by state
Legal rights, advice and representation by state
If you're still having trouble working out who to contact, you can message us through our Contact Us page. While we endeavour to respond as quickly as possible, if your question or situation is urgent, we can't guarantee a time frame that we'll get back to you. If you need immediate support, you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact any of the organisations on our support is available page.