Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010

The statement of rights and entitlements required to be given to a person under section 25(1)(a) must—

be in the form approved by the Secretary; and

include advice that the person has the right to obtain legal advice and obtain a second opinion; and

be written in plain language and, wherever possible, be printed in the language with which the person is most familiar.

In addition, the manager of the treatment centre must ensure that the person is given an oral explanation of the information contained in the statement.

If the person appears not to have understood, or appears incapable of understanding, the information contained in the statement or in the oral explanation, the manager of the treatment centre must ensure that arrangements are made to provide the information to the person in the language, mode of communication or in terms which the person is most likely to understand.

If the person is incapable of understanding the information contained in the statement or in the oral explanation at the time when it would otherwise be provided, the manager of the treatment centre must ensure that reasonable further attempts are made to provide the information at a time when the person is able to understand the information.

If requested to do so by the person who is admitted, the manager of the treatment centre must ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to assist the person to obtain legal advice.