Govt Putting Politics Ahead of Suicide Crisis
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman’s decision to remove the target of reducing New Zealand's suicide rate by 20 percent
over 10 years is a disgrace, says New Zealand First.
“The Minister rejected the target simply because the Government fear they will be held accountable should the rate not
drop. Once again, it’s the National government putting politics ahead of patient care,” says New Zealand First List MP
based in Invercargill, Ria Bond.
“The government’s draft suicide prevention strategy wasn’t worth the ink it was written with, but somehow they’ve
managed to make it even more toothless.
“We have the worst youth suicide rate in the developed world and instead of watering down our goals, the Health Minister
should be setting ambitious, life-saving targets.
“National shouldn’t be prioritising staying in power over doing what’s best for New Zealand’s young people,” says Ms
Bond.
ENDS