Hodgson Pete: Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Hodgson Pete: Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:641;Page:10998] 
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) 
: 
 I move  
That the Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill be now read a third time 
. It gives me great pleasure to be able to speak to the third reading of the Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill. This bill which proposes to retain the commission until 2015 and revises its functions to support the future direction of the mental health sector is a good indication of the Government’s wish to promote and protect the health and well-being of New Zealanders. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Would members leaving the Chamber please show some courtesy to the member trying to address the House. Courtesy is contagious and we will all prosper if we keep within the Standing Orders. 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker. The bill is another positive step forward in the ongoing development of an efficient innovative and exciting mental health sector. In formulating the new functions of the Mental Health Commission the Government has been guided by public submissions a desire to ensure clarity of roles between key agencies and the need to establish a role for the commission that supports the Government’s objectives for mental health over the next 10 years. The commission’s focus has been tailored to ensure that the investment in the commission provides real benefits for the mental health sector. The commission will provide a voice for all stakeholders in this sector on the ongoing implementation of the mental health strategy and it will provide an independent vehicle to ensure that that voice is heard by the Government. 
The commission will be able to monitor the progress of the sector facilitate dialogue and work with service users families and whanau caregivers providers and key central government agencies to promote and support service development and best-practice models of care. To achieve this the commission will consult with relevant stakeholders and will undertake and promote sound research innovation and best practice in mental health consistent with the goals of Te Tahuhu and the roles of other stakeholders. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: Could members having conversations please have them quietly. 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: Although an important focus of the commission will be to identify the needs and aspirations of mental health service users and their families it is important that the commission engage collaboratively with all relevant interest groups and endeavour to reflect a broad range of perspectives in its work. Balancing the risks of stakeholders will be a difficult act. Not all interests will align smoothly all of the time. However the Government considers that it is vital to the future cohesion of this sector that the commission works to promote unity and collaboration in this sector. 
Considering the support expressed by stakeholders in the mental health sector for the retention of the Mental Health Commission and the important role the commission has played in supporting development in the mental health sector the Mental Health Commission Amendment Bill is important legislation that will allow the commission to continue to serve the mental health sector well into the future. 
Finally yesterday the Committee of the whole House approved a Supplementary Order Paper that amended the provisions for the appointment of commissioners in order to give the Minister the necessary flexibility to change commissioners in the next 6-month period for which incumbents are initially appointed by this legislation. This will ensure that there is a smooth transition in the governance of the new organisation and I thank the House for its indulgence.