Striking a balance between community safety and the care of mentally ill patients who have committed rape or murder will be at the centre of an inquiry of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal.
The review of the body, which will be led by former NSW Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy, was prompted by Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies after she was approached by families of victims.
It will consider whether offenders who have been found not guilty as a result of mental illness should remain anonymous, and will also assess the consideration given to their release back into the community.
"The review has been called following concerns raised to me by victims and their families," Ms Davies said.
"There will be a call for public submissions, but more specifically the review will reach out to victims and their families, to guarantee they're informed of the process and are given the opportunity to participate.
"The review will also assess if existing policies remain valid."
