Magistrate for WA's first mental health court

• Magistrate Vicki Stewart appointed to the Mental Health Diversion Court

• Pilot program to cost $5million over two years to establish and run

Esteemed Magistrate Vicki Stewart has been appointed to head Western Australia's new dedicated mental health court for people with mental health problems and/or mental illness.

Expected to begin in early 2013, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the new program, the first of its kind in WA, would provide a diversion option in Perth's magistrate courts by offering enhanced assessment, court liaison and support for people with mental illness.

"The mental health court diversion program is a way of putting mental health expertise into the criminal courts to provide a means of diverting offenders with a mental illness into mental health treatment," Mrs Morton said.

Attorney General Michael Mischin welcomed the appointment of Ms Stewart as a Magistrate of the pilot program and said she would bring a high level of skill and experience to the position.

"Magistrate Stewart has extensive experience as a judicial officer, and previously as a solicitor and counsel. She has been a Magistrate in the Perth Magistrate's Court since 2003, and the Drug Court Magistrate since 2008," Mr Mischin said.

"She has wide experience across a range of areas, including working with people with drug addiction and mental health issues, making her well equipped to undertake the work of the new mental health court. I am confident this pilot program is in good hands."

Before her appointment as a Magistrate, Ms Stewart was Director of Legal and Legislative Services at the Department of Health. She also served as a Magistrate in the Children's Court of Western Australia.

      Fact File

• About 3,600 adults who come before the metropolitan magistrates' courts have a serious mental illness

• Pilot program jointly funded by Mental Health Commission and Department of the Attorney General

• Evidence from other jurisdictions indicates that mental health court diversion programs result in long-term cost savings

• The cost of keeping someone in prison for three months is $23,000 and the cost of diverting someone through this program for three months is estimated at $10,000

Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 6900

Attorney General's office - 6552 5600