Former Deputy State Coroner, Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman, has been appointed as the new President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT).

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman will replace Judge Lakatos SC, having commenced the role in October 2022, for four years.

“The NSW Government is pleased to appoint Magistrate Huntsman to the role of President. She is an experienced judicial officer and possesses valuable insights which she has gained during previous appointments to State and Commonwealth tribunals,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Magistrate Huntsman brings a diverse range of skills to the role, having worked with medical professionals, consumers and lawyers, as well as members of the community, including carers. As a solicitor she worked in private practice and also with the Legal Aid Commission of NSW, and Aboriginal legal organisations.”

The MHRT is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the Mental Health Act 2007. It 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.

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 30 staff who report directly to the Registrar.

Magistrate Huntsman will join Deputy President, Ms Maria Bisogni, and newly appointed Deputy President, Magistrate Michael Antrum, in furthering the important work of the MHRT.

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