Nearly three years after a comprehensive inquiry into mental health and addiction identified massive need for change, the government has announced a 10-year "pathway to mental wellbeing" plan, and an external oversight group to keep it on track. The mental health inquiry report was first presented to the government in November 2018. In 2019, $1.9 billion was pledged for mental health in the budget, along with with $235 million for building more facilities.
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But critics say there has been little progress and no clear roadmap or action plan. Yesterday, Health Minister Andrew Little, announced the new 10 year pathway - named Kia Manawanui. He says it sets out short, medium and long term actions to be taken across Government with a focus on key areas such as technology, workforce, and investment to make transformative change. Kathryn speaks with Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Shaun Robinson who says he feels hopeful about the plan, but the risk of further 'drift' is enormous.
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