312Appointment of members

312 Appointment of members

(1) On the recommendation of the Minister, the Governor in Council, by instrument, may appoint at least 6, but not more than 9, persons to be members of a regional mental health and wellbeing board of whom one is to be appointed as chairperson.

(2) In making a recommendation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1), the Minister must ensure that the membership of a regional mental health and wellbeing board consists of—

(a) at least one person who—

(i) identifies as experiencing, or as having experienced, mental illness or psychological distress; and

(ii) has an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of people living with mental illness or psychological distress—

which may inform their decisions as a member of a regional mental health and wellbeing board; and

(b) at least one person who—

(i) identifies as caring for or supporting, or as having cared for or supported, a person with mental illness or psychological distress; and

(ii) has an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of families, carers and supporters of people living with mental illness or psychological distress—

which may inform their decisions as a member of a regional mental health and wellbeing board.

(3) In making a recommendation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1), the Minister must have regard to the need for members of a regional mental health and wellbeing board—

(a) to have experience, skills or knowledge that are relevant to the functions of the regional mental health and wellbeing board; and

(i) the diverse needs of Aboriginal communities, the importance of self‑determination, the importance of connection to culture, family, community and Country and the importance of culturally responsive, safe and appropriate services; and

(ii) the diverse backgrounds and needs of persons using mental health and wellbeing services in the region for which the members would be responsible, including age, disability, neurodiversity, culture, language, communication, religion, race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

(4) To avoid doubt, the Minister must not recommend the same person for appointment for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) and (b).