Inquiry: Indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia

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On 2 December 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:

1. The indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia, with particular reference to:

a. the prevalence of imprisonment and indefinite detention of individuals with cognitive and psychiatric impairment within Australia; 

b. the experiences of individuals with cognitive and psychiatric impairment who are imprisoned or detained indefinitely ... read the remaining 12 terms of reference here.

2. That for the purposes of this inquiry:

a. indefinite detention includes all forms of secure accommodation of a person without a specific date of release; and 

b. this includes, but is not limited to, detention orders by a court, tribunal or under a disability or mental health act and detention orders that may be time limited but capable of extension by a court, tribunal or under a disability or mental health act prior to the end of the order.

The inquiry home page includes links to an Easy English guide to making a submission, and contact details for the secretariat, for further information.

Submissions should be received by 8 April 2016. 

The reporting date is 30 July 2016.