Action Needed Now on Rural Suicides

The number of farmers committing suicide is a national disgrace, says New Zealand First.

“New Zealand has lost 169 farmers to suicide and 120 people have died on farms in workplace accidents since 2008,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“Recent investment in rural workplace safety is commendable but where is the investment in health to reduce suicides?

“This year farmers are facing the perfect storm. The Government has still not declared a drought, there’s uncertainty about global prices and Fonterra has forecast a low payout to dairy farmers. All this pressure will be taking its toll on farmers’ health.

“The Government must face up to this issue and start targeting funding to give farmers better access to support and help when times are tough,” says Mrs Stewart.

“New Zealand First is calling on the Government to further increase the number of GPs in rural communities and to increase capabilities for access to online consultation facilities.

“The mental health of rural New Zealanders is at stake and they desperately need appropriate levels of access to professional support.

“Action needs to be taken now or this scourge on farming communities will continue to be the silent killer of rural New Zealand.”

ENDS

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