Qld mental health inquiry back in court

An inquiry probing whether the deaths of three teenagers were linked to the closure of a Brisbane mental health facility is set to return to court.

Last week, the commission of inquiry into the closure of the Barrett Adolescent Psychiatric Centre heard the probe may be delayed and was unlikely to start this year.

Up to 300 million departmental documents needed to be waded through before they could be sorted and categorised, the inquiry heard.

Commissioner Margaret Wilson bemoaned the ongoing delays and said it was unlikely hearings would start before Christmas, despite the requirement she produce a report and recommendations for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk by January 14.

The inquiry is expected to return to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday for an update on progress.