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The government released three independent reports on September 22, outlining where mental health and addiction ringfenced funding is being spent and whether it’s making a difference, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money goes into mental health and addiction every single year, but until now we haven’t had a clear enough picture of whether that investment was reaching the right services,” he says.
“That’s why we established the Mental Health and Addiction Ringfence Taskforce – to get the answers we didn’t have.
“Three independent reports published give us the clearest picture yet across infant, child and youth mental health and addiction services, alcohol and other drug services, and forensic mental health services.”
Doocey says publishing the reports reflect the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We can now see where investment is going, who is using services, where services are under pressure and where there are gaps.”
“That means we can make better decisions about where funding should go next, rather than simply putting more money into the system and hoping for the best,” he adds.
The findings will inform future policy and investment decisions so young people are receiving the support they deserve, Doocey says.
“The dedicated youth mental health roadmap being co-designed by young people will complement this work by also ensuring their voices are heard and that it is designed around their needs.”
To view the reports, visit Health New Zealand or the Ministry of Health.
