New South Wales Consolidated Acts New South Wales Consolidated Acts(cf 1990 Act, s 228)
(1) The Minister must, by instrument in writing, appoint official visitors.
(2) A person may be appointed as an official visitor if the person has any of the following qualifications--(a) the person is a medical practitioner,(b) the person is a registered psychologist,(c) the person has any other qualifications prescribed by the regulations,(d) the person is otherwise a suitably qualified or interested person.
(3) An official visitor has the following functions--(a) to refer matters raising any significant public mental health issues or patient safety or care or treatment issues to the Principal official visitor or any other appropriate person or body,(b) to act as an advocate for patients to promote the proper resolution of issues arising in the mental health system, including issues raised by a designated carer or principal care provider of a patient or person detained under this Act,(c) to inspect mental health facilities as directed by the Principal official visitor and in accordance with this Part,(d) any other function conferred on official visitors by or under this or any other Act.