Cross-Border Arrangements with NSW

In 2009 Victoria and NSW commenced a joint review of cross border mental health arrangements between the two States to reflect the legislative changes that have occurred since 2002 (including the repeal of the NSW Mental Health Act 1990) and to ensure the current arrangements reflect best practice.

The Program Management Circular and appendices; the Ministerial Agreements, the Interstate Guidelines and forms, are expected to be revised as a consequence of the Review.

This page contains download links for the Program Management Circular (and appendices) relating to cross-border mental health services between Victoria and NSW.

The Circular provides advice to Area Mental Health Services (AMHS) concerning the civil Ministerial Agreement and Interstate Guidelines agreed between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) in relation to the provision of mental health services to NSW persons by Victoria, and to Victorian persons by NSW. The civil Ministerial Agreement commenced on 21 February 2003. The Interstate Guidelines were developed in consultation with border AMHS, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

This Circular consolidates the principles and procedures of the civil Ministerial Agreement and the Interstate Guidelines, providing advice to AMHS on the provision of cross-border mental health services. It was developed in consultation with border AMHS and the Mental Health Review Board.

This page also contains a download link for the Ministerial Agreement covering forensic and security patients.

The contact officers in the Mental Health and Drugs Division in relation to cross-border agreements are Kristen Densley (Monday - Wednesday) telephone (03) 9096 6931, email: Kristen.Densley@dhs.vic.gov.au and Kiera Dingle telephone (03) 9096 0398, email: Kiera.Dingle@dhs.vic.gov.au

The Circular and its appendices are available for separate download below.

Program Management Circular - March 2003 (PDF file 456KB)

Appendices to the Program Management Circular

1. Civil Ministerial Agreement - August 2002 (PDF file 198KB)

2. Interstate Guidelines -Jan 2003 (PDF file 196KB)

3. Civil Forms

Forms used by NSW and Victoria
Civil Interstate Apprehension Order (Schedule 2 to civil Ministerial Agreement) (PDF file 56KB)
Interstate Transfer Request Notice (Schedule 3 to civil Ministerial Agreement) (PDF file 55KB)

Forms used by Victoria
MHA 36 (Section 93G) Transfer Order (PDF file 136KB)

4. Forensic Ministerial Agreement - Feb 2002 (PDF file 214KB)

Interstate Apprehension Order (Forensic) (Schedule 2 to forensic Ministerial Agreement) (PDF file 55KB)