Mental Health

Sue Bradford says the case of four police officers acquitted of assaulting a man in custody demonstrates systemic problems in the force when it comes to dealing with people with mental health issues.

Green Party Mental Health Spokesperson Sue Bradford says that she is deeply saddened by the death of North Shore teenager Toran Henry, and is dismayed by the surrounding circumstances.

"The only good thing about National's support for work for the dole, is that it has finally made clear one element of their welfare strategy should they become Government," Green Party Social and Economic Justice Spokesperson Sue Bradf

The former patients whose stories made such harrowing reading in today's Report of the Confidential Forum should get an apology and compensation similar to that awarded to former Lake Alice patients who suffered abuse, the Green Party says.

The result of a 3News TNS poll showing that 63 percent of New Zealanders would support a law change allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis as a painkiller is being welcomed by Green Party Alcohol and Drugs Spokesperson Metiria Turei.

Reports that police are struggling to cope with mental health patients in the absence of adequate staffing and resources in the mental health sector is bad news both for police and for patients, Green Party Mental Health Spokesperson Sue Bradford say