Mental Health Act 2016

This section applies if a seized thing has some intrinsic value and is not forfeited or transferred under division 4 or 5.

The inspector must return the seized thing to an owner—

generally—at the end of 6 months after the seizure; or

if a proceeding for an offence involving the thing is started within 6 months after the seizure—at the end of the proceeding and any appeal from the proceeding.

Despite subsection (2), if the thing was seized as evidence, the inspector must return the thing seized to an owner as soon as practicable after the inspector is satisfied—

its continued retention as evidence is no longer necessary; and

it is lawful for the owner to possess it.

Nothing in this section affects a lien or other security over the seized thing.