A proposed Mental Health Bill aimed at updating New Zealand’s 1992 legislation has successfully passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a major step towards modernising the country’s approach to mental health care.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey expressed his support for the Bill, which seeks to replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.

"This Bill will modernise compulsory mental health care, improve the effectiveness of mental health and addiction support, and will put people at the centre of decision-making about their own care," Mr Doocey said.

The proposed legislation is designed to minimise coercion in mental health treatment, prioritising individual needs and protections.

It includes measures to ensure patients fully understand their rights and the processes they are subjected to while under the new laws.

The Bill also addresses recommendations made by the 2018 He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, which found the current Act outdated and called for a more human rights-based approach.

The introduction of this Bill is part of the Government’s response to the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

According to Mr Doocey, "We are committed to delivering a considered and comprehensive response to the Inquiry’s final report."

The Bill will now proceed to the next stage of the legislative process, where it will be further debated and refined.