WELLINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand government announced details on setting up a Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on Thursday to drive better mental health care.
The previous national government closed down the Mental Health Commission in 2012.
"We are taking mental health seriously and so did the Mental Health Commission," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
"It was held in high regard and did a good job of providing leadership and accelerating progress across the sector. We want it back to hold us and future governments to account."
She said the commission will track the progress on the current range of actions to "tackle the long-term challenge of improving mental healthcare across New Zealand."
The commission will provide independent scrutiny of the government's progress in improving New Zealand's mental health and wellbeing and promote collaboration between mental health and wellbeing entities.
The commission would report back directly to the health minister within one year, according to Ardern.
The government appointed Hayden Wano as the commission chair and four other members.
"A key focus for Mr Wano and the initial commission will be looking at the wider range of factors that contribute to people's overall mental wellbeing.
"That includes looking across social welfare, housing, education and justice as well as talking to those with experience of mental health and addiction," Health Minister David Clark said.
Thursday's announcement follows the release on Tuesday of the Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan and the start of the primary mental healthcare roll-out across the country.
