Scoop Audio : PM says health report recommendations do not amount to “major” restructure
By Spike Mountjoy
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Scoop Audio: Audio on Demand of NZ Prime Minister John Key's weekly post-cabinet press conference.
The PM defended the Ministerial Review Group’s health report out yesterday, saying its recommendations do not amount to
a “major” restructure of the health system, so are not in breach of his election promises.
Key said the 21 District Health Boards will remain, but a separate body to control funding is an idea “worthy of
consideration”.
The PM also waded into the Janet Moses exorcism case, after Labour MP Trevor Mallard said the judge gave a lenient,
community-based sentence because those involved were Maori.
Key disagreed, saying participants in the curse lifting ceremony did not intend to kill the person, and community
sentences were appropriate.
“They were misguided, I think it’s gone terribly wrong - but I don’t think this is a racial issue.”
However Key went on to say it was inappropriate for politicians to critique sentences handed out by judges, but he made
an exception today because he felt he had to respond to Trevor Mallard.
A broad range of other issues were discussed today including: New Zealand assistance to Tonga after the recent ferry
disaster, a NZ/Australia “joint cabinet meeting” in Australia this week (where we can expect details on plans to make
trans-Tasman travel easier), the successes of the Youth Opportunities package, and Social Welfare Minister Paula
Bennett’s beneficiary audit.
Listen below for this and more – complete audio of today’s post-cabinet press conference.
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ENDS