February – March 2011: The directions hearing was held at VCAT. It was pretty intimidating – my lawyer had an asthma attack and couldn’t come so I had to get by on my own. The sitting member advised that she didn’t think I would win the case, and suggested that I use other means to resolve the dispute. I was given another month to consider.
After long consideration, I decided that, no matter how tough the case may be, it is important to move forward. Besides, there is no other means available that I can see. Those of us with mental health issues rarely get a voice, and if I don’t stand up here, who will? I’m reminded of that quote “all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” While I think this ban has more to do with paternalism and inflexibility than ‘evil’ (and I have issues with the inherent misogyny of the quote), the principle still stands. So, I’ve decided, will I. I’m waiting now for a hearing date.
Smoking bans are being implemented in psychiatric wards (including outdoor areas) all over Australia, forcing involuntary mental health patients to quit smoking against their will. These bans increase distress amongst people already in severe crisis, impede recovery and put people at risk. This cause aims to get these bans repealed, and smoking areas re-established in suitable outdoor areas.
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