State-by-State Anti-Ligature Requirements

Victoria is the most advanced state in anti-ligature regulation, driven by the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. Key developments: • Safer Care Victoria published comprehensive ligature risk guidance in December 2024 • A mandatory Ligature Point Audit Tool was introduced in August 2025 • Victoria has explicitly noted the 'absence of national standards' and is working to fill the gap • The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) oversees significant mental health infrastructure investment • New Footscray Hospital (opened Feb 2026) and Peninsula University Hospital (opened Jan 2026) set new benchmarks

NSW mandates AusHFG compliance via GL2025_001 (a formal government policy directive). Major projects: • Westmead Mental Health Facility — NSW's largest mental health facility, construction started early 2025 • Nepean Hospital new CAMHS Unit (due late 2025) • NSW Health Infrastructure has specific procurement guidelines for anti-ligature products

SA has Chief Psychiatrist mandatory standards for ligature risk management in mental health facilities. The standards specify environmental assessment requirements and minimum product performance criteria. • Crisis Stabilisation Centre at Lyell McEwin Hospital opening early 2026 • New mental health beds being added statewide • Significant correctional facility expansion underway

WA also has Chief Psychiatrist mandatory standards covering ligature risk. WA is investing significantly in health infrastructure. • Bunbury Hospital redevelopment includes acute psychiatric unit • State-wide mental health infrastructure upgrades underway

Queensland uses the QHCIR (Queensland Health Capital Infrastructure Requirements) 4th Edition, which incorporates AusHFG with state-specific amendments. • New Coomera Hospital construction commencing 2H 2026, includes mental health inpatient units • New Rockhampton mental health facility • Cairns mental health facility upgrade

Tasmania: Northern Mental Health Precinct in Launceston — new inpatient unit, site preparation started August 2025. ACT: Mental health precinct at Canberra Hospital in planning and design. Notable for coroner recommendations following deaths at Canberra Hospital (Bearham/Fisher inquests) which have driven ligature risk requirements. NT: Follows AusHFG with Territory-specific supplements. Same compliance expectations for government-funded facilities.