Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross is challenging National Party leader Simon Bridges over his right to criticise the Government over mental health.
Ross took a long break from Parliament last year after his fallout with the National Party climaxed in him contemplating suicide and being sectioned to a mental health facility.
He has been critical of Bridges and deputy leader Paula Bennett for the way they handled his mental health issues, but they have maintained they always acted in accordance with medical advice.
On Twitter this morning, Bridges criticised the Government for its many working groups to respond to the mental health inquiry.
He posted a link to a Radio NZ story on the subject, described it as "a shameful farce", and tagged Health Minister David Clark.
Ross replied: "Are you sure you're the right person to be criticising others on the topic of mental health??"
A spokesman for Bridges said he had no comment to add.
Ross told the Herald he wanted to use his voice as an MP to raise important issues, including mental health.
"Sometimes that will involve calling out hypocrisy," Ross said.
"The Government Simon and I were part of let the [mental health] sector down and let the system reach crisis point. We now owe it to patients and mental health workers to work with the Government constructively.
"I'm happy to work with the Minister and other MPs on any issues in this area."
National spent the last few months of last year dealing with Ross, who quit the caucus - and was also expelled from caucus - released recorded conversations that embarrassed Bridges, and laid a police complaint over election donations.
In a statement last month, Ross said the apex of the saga was a "life and death" mental health crisis.
He sought the help of a psychiatrist, but was sectioned to the mental health unit at Middlemore Hospital after he tried to harm himself.
He said in his statement it wasn't fair on Bridges or Bennett to expect them to help with his mental health issues.
Bridges and Bennett have always maintained that their actions towards Ross were consistent with medical advice.
Ross is expected to return to Parliament when it resumes next week, and he has promised to serve the people of Botany and be an advocate for mental health services.
His office is in a different building to the offices of National MPs, and he will not have access to the corridors where the National Party is based.
At the National Party caucus retreat in Hamilton this week, National MPs said Ross' name was not mentioned and the party was focusing on building policy in areas such as law and order, the economy, and the environment.
But the spectre of Ross remained as Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie faced media for the first time since police confirmed an investigation into a text message she allegedly sent to Ross that included the words "you deserve to die".
The text message raised questions over whether there was a breach of the Harmful Digital Communications Act, which made it illegal to urge someone to self-harm.
Ross had previously named Dowie as one of the women with whom he had an extra-marital relationship
Dowie did not comment on her affair with Ross, adding police had not contacted her about the text message.
"I am committed to the people of Invercargill, just as I always have [been]," Dowie said.
Bridges said the party backed Dowie, and Bennett said the ongoing Ross-related drama was not a distraction for the party - only for the media.
Need help?
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 443 366
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Homecare Medical: 24-hour 1737 free text/phone
Youthline: 0800 376 633, txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37
54 (0800 kidsline)
Related Stories
Comments
Well, of course, Bridges is not, and Ross is, the right person to talk on mh. One is a 'tourist', the other has first hand experience and knowledge of systems.
The National Party does not think laterally, however.
It thinks "fruitloops" is a Parliamentary word. So, the Best person for the job Won't.
He will remain in Coventry.
Think maybe an attempt was made to discredit Ross on account of his mental health status, making the assumption that a person using mental health services is unreliable in every way and can be discounted as a credible witness. If so, it backfired.
Ross needs to change parties////////// he is wasting time/ in the party hes sort of in///////// . as they will always remind him of his at one time mental upset//////// beware of the scarlet women////////////