Barrett inquiry to hear from 45 witnesses

A directions hearing is taking place in a Brisbane court ahead of an inquiry into the deaths of three teens after the closure of a mental health facility.

An inquiry into whether the deaths of three teenagers were linked to the closure of a Brisbane mental health facility is expected to hear from 45 witnesses.

The commission of inquiry into the Barrett Adolescent Psychiatric Centre is set to begin in Brisbane next month, however legal argument is taking place in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday in relation to non-publication orders.

The court has heard about 45 witnesses, including patients and medical staff, will give evidence during the inquiry which begins on February 15 and runs for four weeks.

Counsel assisting the commission Paul Freeburn said due to the sensitive nature of the inquiry some evidence would be given in closed court and some written statements would not be made public.

Two out of the 20 days of the inquiry are expected to be closed to the public and media.

The directions hearing was closed on Thursday morning while discussions about changes to a non-publication order take place.

It is expected to reopen later in the day.

Teenagers Will Fowell, Talieha Nebauer and Caitlin Wilkinson-Whiticker took their own lives in the months after the then Newman government closed the centre at Wacol in January 2014.

*For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.


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Published 28 January 2016 12:05pm
Updated 28 January 2016 12:14pm
Source: AAP


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