Mental Health Review Tribunal
Recruitment and Selection of the
Deputy President
Applications close at 5pm on 4th November 2025
Mental Health Review Tribunal proudly acknowledges all First Nations peoples (Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders) and the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
The Mental Health Review Tribunal (Tribunal) is an independent decision making body continued under the Mental Health Act 2016. The primary purpose of the Tribunal is to review the involuntary status of persons with mental illnesses and/or intellectual disability, including the review of treatment authorities, forensic orders, treatment support orders, a person’s fitness for trial, and the detention of a minor in a high security unit. The Tribunal also hears applications for examination authorities, applications to perform regulated treatments and approvals for patients to transfer into and out of Queensland. The Tribunal also hears a limited number of appeals.
The Tribunal consists of the President, Deputy President, Executive Officer, staff, and Members, including lawyers, psychiatrists and other persons with relevant qualifications and/or experience that exercise the Tribunal’s jurisdiction and facilitate the function of same.
As Deputy President, you will play a pivotal leadership role in setting the strategic direction of the Tribunal, strengthening governance frameworks and guiding decision-making that upholds independence and procedural fairness.
Reporting to the President, you will exercise independent judicial powers, lead organisational performance initiatives and provide mentorship to Tribunal Members and staff. You will also act as President when required, ensuring the Tribunal continues to operate effectively and ethically in delivering its vital function within Queensland’s mental health system. Your leadership will influence the Tribunal’s future direction, build capability across the organisation and foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration and respect.
You will join a values-driven, multidisciplinary team of legal professionals, psychiatrists and other experts dedicated to upholding human rights and improving mental health outcomes. The Tribunal’s culture is collegial and inclusive, with an emphasis on shared purpose, professional excellence and continuous learning. Leaders within the Tribunal are expected to model fairness, integrity and respect in every aspect of their work.
To be successful in this role, you will be a senior legal professional with at least seven years’ standing and a strong grounding in administrative law and the Mental Health Act 2016. You will demonstrate proven strategic leadership capability, with the ability to set direction, influence outcomes and drive organisational performance within a statutory or judicial environment. Your expertise in public sector governance will include sound understanding of accountability, risk management, ethical decision-making and compliance frameworks.
You will bring experience in tribunal or quasi-judicial decision-making, applying procedural fairness, interpreting complex legislation and delivering well-reasoned, legally sound outcomes. A commitment to continuous improvement, professional standards and best practice is essential, along with a collaborative approach that builds trust, engagement and alignment across members, staff and key stakeholders. Exceptional analytical ability, sound judgment and the capacity to communicate complex information with clarity and influence will underpin your success in this role.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Deputy President Position Description, the Applicant Information Pack and the links providing further information about the department to assist with understanding the recruitment and selection process.
To be considered for this role please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
Justine Eden, Director, Eden Ritchie Recruitment
0412 156 930 or mhrt@edenritchie.com.au
Applications close at 5pm on 4th November 2025