A New Zealand MP has issued an emotional plea for more government assistance to support the mental health of rural citizens after after his son took his own life earlier this year.
ACT MP Mark Cameron delivered an powerful speech during general debate on in parliament on Wednesday, where he opened up on the harrowing toll his son’s death had taken on him.
Brody Cameron, 22, died from a suspected suicide on May 10 this year, triggering a flood of tributes.
‘Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, hard for some, bloody hard for me. I buried my boy, and he is gone,’ Mr Cameron said during his speech.
He said that while his son’s death has been a traumatic toll on his family, it reminded him of his purpose as an MP.
‘I stand here to address this House, to address all of you, a shadow of the man that boy would have become … I am a father to a lost son.
‘But I am here, because I must … I turn up every day in this House because I believe in rural New Zealand.’
He was joined by the ACT Party, other representatives and the acting Speaker, who acknowledged Mr Cameron’s loss.
New Zealand MP Mark Cameron has called on the country’s politicians to support rural Kiwis in a speech to parliament following his son Brody’s suicide (pictured, Mr Cameron and Brody)
Brody, 22, was a celebrated forward for the Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, the northernmost region of NZ
Mr Cameron described his son as a contractor, farmer, and an ‘every day good Kiwi bloke’ but is ‘no more’ nonetheless.
He said his son’s death was a reminder for himself and other politicians to stand up for rural Kiwis and make it easier for them to seek mental health support.
‘I might save someone else, I might be able to help rural people preserve their way of life,’ he told the parliament.
‘Listen to these people, politicians need to stop and actually listen to rural folk.
‘I will say this, to this House, in this God awful mess that is my life, I am in this House every day because I absolutely believe in rural people.’
The MP also brought attention to ‘red tape’ and other obstacles that are adding stress to farmers and regional communities.
Mr Cameron (pictured) revealed his son’s death had taken a massive toll on him and his family but also reminded him to stand up for New Zealand’s farmers and regional communities
Mr Cameron remembered his son as someone who chose kindness and dignity when others would turn to ‘anger, frustration’
High-ranking current and former politicians, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, sent their condolences after Brody’s death/
‘I offer our deepest condolences to you, Mark. I know the thoughts and prayers of the whole Parliament are with your family right now too,’ Mr Luxon wrote.
An emotional Mr Cameron said no parent should have to bury their child in a touching eulogy at Brody’s memorial service.
He described his son as ‘all of my successes and none of my failures’ while fighting back tears.
‘From a father to a son, I say to you tackle the b******s, run straight, leave your shoes and your hat at the door and remember to smile when you’re greeted, for we will say hi, you will say hi and we are together,’ Mr Cameron said.
If you or anyone who knows needs support, call Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Lifeline New Zealand 0800 543 354
