Not just QLD Health but all the States emptied most of their mental asylums in the 1980s because of cost-cutting and availability of new drugs.
They rationalised it as a plus for the patients as they would be out of the institutions and be able to mix with people and gain from the experience, etc.
There are far too many mentally ill people in the community who need institutional care. Once out they should be looked after by institution staff and NOT be made to fend for themselves - their ability to cope in the community should be constantly monitored.
