28 March 2002
ACC Minister Lianne Dalziel should not be using patients' personal records for political gain in Parliament, National's
Women's Affairs Spokesperson Anne Tolley said today.
In Parliament today Lianne Dalziel confirmed that she had brought into the House with her a completed official ACC claim
form relating to a rape victim.
"The Minister used these documents in the heat of a debate with Act MP Donna Awatere-Huata.
"I find it appalling that the Minister bought this woman's file into the House and used it as political ammunition. This
woman is trying to get justice from the ACC system but instead she ends up being used by the Minister as a political
pawn in a parliamentary debate.
"Releasing this information was totally irresponsible. Now there is a risk that this document, which contains personal
details of the patient, could be tabled, which means it becomes public.
"How can we have confidence in a Minister who is prepared to use patients' personal details for her own political gain?"
Mrs Tolley said.
Ends