Will the Government show a commitment to addiction treatment?

Labour Associate Health spokesperson has welcomed the Law Commission’s review of the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1996 initiated in response to the previous Labour Government’s reviews of drug and alcohol legislation.

“The Law Commission’s sensible recommendations provide for a modern approach to compulsory addiction treatment as well as a much needed focus on making treatment available and accessible,” said Iain Lees-Galloway.

“The rights of people suffering from addiction, of families, communities and appropriately qualified health professionals need to be balanced and these recommendations set a framework in which that balance could be achieved.

“Clearly a genuine commitment to reducing the harm caused to individuals and communities by substance addiction requires a commitment to making more treatment services available as well as providing pathways to that treatment.

“Unfortunately the Government is going in the opposite direction. Under Tony Ryall, mental health and addiction services are no longer a priority. The Government did away with targets for addiction treatment. Funding to both hospital and community-based services has been slashed across the country.

“The Government should include all the Law Commission’s recommendations in a new piece of legislation so the New Zealand public can have their say at select committee. It failed to do so with the Alcohol review and has signalled it will again fail on the Misuse of Drugs Act review.

“Will it be third time lucky for those working tirelessly to clean up the mess caused by alcohol and drug addiction?”

ENDS

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