Government still MIA on mental health

green-party

Thu May 04 2017 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Government still MIA on mental health

Thursday, 4 May 2017, 11:17 am
Press Release: Green Party

4 May 2017

Mental health services have been in such a dire state for such a long time that only a full inquiry and a significant injection of Government money will make a difference, the Green Party said today.

The Health Minister today announced that mental health services will get a cross-Government approach, mainly funded within existing baseline funding.

“Families of people experiencing mental health problems are being short-changed by a Government that has been missing in action for far too long,” Green Party health spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said.

“It’s great that the Minister is finally realising what thousands of New Zealanders have been telling him, our mental health system isn’t working and needs help.

“A full nationwide mental health inquiry is needed to identify the systemic problems, and deliver effective solutions, rather than just tinkering around the edges.

“Our health system has been underfunded to the tune of $1.7billion since National have been in power, so there just isn’t spare money waiting around to be repurposed for mental health.

“This Government’s Social Investment Approach will only target those who fit a very narrow fixed definition of needing help.

“The reality is that many teenagers needing mental health help or new mothers with postnatal depression will not have a parent in prison or on a benefit so they will not get seen any faster or get the help they need,” said Ms Genter.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from Green Party on InfoPages.