Policy Documents
Lived Experience Australia develops policy positions on critical issues affecting mental health consumers and carers in Australia. These policy documents articulate our positions on mental health service standards, consumer rights, carer support, and best practice in private mental health care. Developed through consultation with our Representative Panel and informed by lived experience expertise, these policies guide our advocacy work and provide frameworks for mental health services across Australia.
You can download and view any of the Policy Documents by clicking on the underlined heading.
LEA's position on smoke-free environments in private psychiatric hospitals, balancing harm reduction with patient autonomy and recovery-oriented care.
Framework for informed consent in mental health treatment, addressing capacity assessment, supported decision-making, and the rights of consumers to make autonomous choices about their care.
Guidelines for advance care planning and psychiatric advance directives in mental health services, enabling consumers to document treatment preferences and decision-making support for future care.
Position on protecting consumer health information in mental health services, covering privacy rights, data security, electronic health records, and appropriate information sharing with carers and supporters.
LEA's position on accreditation standards for mental health services in Australia, emphasizing consumer participation, safety, quality improvement, and lived experience integration in standard development and assessment.
Framework for meaningful engagement of consumers and carers in service planning, delivery and governance in private mental health settings across Australia.
Position on compulsory treatment and involuntary admission in mental health services, addressing human rights, least restrictive alternatives, safeguards, and the experiences of consumers subject to mental health legislation.
Framework for supporting families, carers and supporters of people with mental health challenges, covering information sharing, involvement in care planning, carer recognition, and access to support services.
Position on workplace inclusion, reasonable adjustments, discrimination protections, and employment support for people with mental health challenges and psychosocial disability in Australia.
Standards for quality mental health care in private psychiatric hospitals and services, covering clinical practice, consumer rights, safety, recovery-oriented care, and integration of lived experience perspectives.
Guidelines for appropriate remuneration of consumers and carers contributing their lived experience expertise to mental health service development, research, training, and governance activities.
Framework for building capacity and supporting professional development of consumers and carers in representative and advocacy roles within mental health systems.
Guidelines for supporting the wellbeing of peer workers, consumer representatives and carer advocates, addressing supervision, boundaries, vicarious trauma, and sustainable practice in lived experience roles.
Position on culturally responsive mental health services in Australia's private sector, addressing access, cultural safety, interpreter services, and diverse community needs in mental health care delivery.