29 November 2000

Greens pleased with new public health agency

Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley today said she was delighted that her proposed amendment to provide a Public Health Agency has largely been taken on board by the Government.

The coalition has agreed to support the creation of a new Public Health Directorate within the Ministry of Health to commit and direct resources to public health.

"While my original amendment was to provide a stand alone committee and this directorate will be within the Ministry I am pleased that this agency will be strengthened by an independent national public health advisory committee," said Ms Kedgley.

"While this public health directorate proposal is more modest than our proposal for an independent agency, it is a step in the right direction and will ensure there is an independent voice on issues of public health."

Ms Kedgley said that at long last we will see officials focussed on public health measures which try to reduce the underlying causes of ill health in New Zealand.

Ms Kedgley said the passage of the Health and Disability Bill to date had been a perfect example of MMP in action. "The Greens are delighted with the way this legislation has been bettered through flexible and co-operative cross party work."

Sue Kedgley MP: 04 470 6728, 025 270 9088 Jonathan Hill (press secretary): 04 470 6719, 021 440 090 Deborah Moran (health advisor): 025 588 282

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