Australian mental health laws use an Obligatory Dangerousness Criterion to assess the appropriateness of involuntary (compulsory) treatment for patients. While initially designed to balance the rights of the mentally ill with public protection, concerns about its utility have been raised by some experts. As other countries move away from relying solely on this criterion to justify involuntary treatment, Australian policymakers should reconsider current mental health laws. Exploring alternative policy options that enhance accessibility to inpatient psychiatric treatment, reduce the duration of untreated psychosis, improve treatment outcomes, and diminish dangerous behaviours in individuals with severe mental illness is advisable.
