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The Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers is concerned at the Government's rejection of a suicide reduction target as recommended in He Ara Oranga – the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.
It's also disappointed that the Māori-focused recommendations in the report have not received explicit support from government.
Chief executive Lucy Sandford-Reed says in the main the response is positive, especially the decision to re-establish an independent mental health commission.
She says radical action on mental health and addiction is needed after a long period of under-funding and rising demand.
Higher than average rates of suicide and addiction among Māori mean tangata whenua providers need to be better resourced and empowered to provide community-based solutions.
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