An independent investigator has been called in to examine the mental health care given to the man accused of burning a bus driver to death in Brisbane.
On Monday morning, the Queensland government confirmed Anthony O'Donohue had been treated in the public system before his alleged attack on Manmeet Sharma on Friday.
More News Videos
- Video duration
- 02:06
Bus driver a 'pillar' for family
- Video duration
- 00:49
This just in: I found $3
- Video duration
- 00:56
Woman dead after BMW crash
- Video duration
- 00:27
Race blackout 'absolutely devastating'
- Video duration
- 01:03
Sisters drown in backyard pool
- Video duration
- 01:29
Police re-enact ride tragedy
- Video duration
- 01:34
Metro Rail: will it happen?
- Video duration
- 01:44
Tower to be tallest in Surfers
Bus driver a 'pillar' for family
Brisbane's Indian community vows to "keep loving each other" after the death of bus driver Manmeet Sharma. Nine News
The alleged killer's lawyer raised concerns about his mental health on Saturday after he appeared in court charged with murder and 11 counts of attempted murder.
Psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen has been called in to run an "independent external" review of the 48-year-old's treatment in addition to a mandatory internal review.
Police described the man from Moorooka, in Brisbane's south, as "compliant" when they arrested him after he allegedly threw an "incendiary device" on Mr Sharma after boarding the 125 bus at Moorooka in Brisbane's south on Friday morning.
Police said the much-loved Punjabi community leader stood little chance. They also charged Mr O'Donohue with the attempted murder of another 11 passengers on board.
On Monday, Health Minister Cameron Dick said the accused had been treated through Metro South Hospital and Health Services, which was responsible for several hospitals from Brisbane's inner south toward the NSW border, not including the Gold Coast.
"Given the very serious nature of this incident I believe it is appropriate that there be an independent external investigation into the treatment provided within the health system to the accused," he said, in a statement.
"Accordingly, I have requested the Director-General of Queensland Health to commission an independent investigation under the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 regarding treatment provided to the accused."
Mr Dick set down an eight-week timeframe for the investigation and promised to make findings public "to the extent possible".
"On behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Sharma, and my thanks to the Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Health staff for their swift and effective response to the incident," he said.
Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by calling Lifeline 131 114, Mensline 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.