Experienced District Court Judge Paul Lakatos SC has been appointed the new President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT).

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said Judge Lakatos SC will replace Judge Richard Cogswell from March 1 next year, for a 12 month term.

“The NSW Government is pleased to appoint Judge Lakatos to the role of President. He has extensive experience working with medical professionals both as a lawyer and a judge and will bring a unique perspective to the role,” Mrs Davies said.

The MHRT is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the Mental Health Act 2007. Its main role is to review and make orders about the care of people involuntarily admitted to hospitals, people on community treatment orders and forensic patients.

“The Tribunal plays a vital role in overseeing the treatment and care of involuntary mental health patients and striking the balance between patient wellbeing and community safety and we are grateful for the work they do,” Mrs Davies said.

The NSW Government began a robust search for candidates in July this year. Judge Paul Lakatos SC has been practicing since 1977, was admitted as a barrister in 1984 and is a presiding member of the Medical Tribunal.

The MHRT President leads the following team:

• two full-time and seven part-time Deputy Presidents who are statutory appointees and report to the President
• approximately 140 part-time Tribunal members
• a Registrar who reports directly to the President
• approximately 29 staff who report directly to the Registrar.

Mrs Davies paid tribute to outgoing President Judge Cogswell, who steered the MHRT during a statutory review conducted by former Supreme Court Justice, Hon Anthony Whealy QC.

“Judge Cogswell will be remembered as a steadfast supporter of the independence of the Tribunal and a champion to improve the hearings process for patients, their loved ones, and victims. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

For more information about the MHRT please visit Mental Health Review Tribunal.