Beehive Bulletin For Week Ending Friday 04 April 2002
Also Available On-Line http://www.labour.org.nz
SARS made notifiable
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been added to New Zealand's schedule of notifiable diseases. Health
Minister Annette King says while no cases of SARS have yet been reported in New Zealand, it is prudent to be as prepared
as possible. The World Health Organisation has so far reported 1550 cases worldwide, with more than 54 deaths to March
29. Adding SARS to the schedule of notifiable diseases gives health authorities power to detain and isolate someone
suspected of having the syndrome. Annette King urged New Zealanders planning to travel to affected countries to continue
monitoring the Ministry of Health's 0800 0800 80 number; or to visit http://www.moh.govt.nz/sars
Gradual remove of asset testing
The government will progressively remove asset testing of older people in long-term residential care from 1 July 2005.
Associate Health Minister Ruth Dyson says from 2005, single people and couples with both partners in care will be able
to keep up to $150,000 in assets (including property and savings) before their assets are used to contribute to the cost
of their care. That's up from $15,000 and $30,000 respectively. Couples where one partner is in care will retain their
current exemptions of a house and car. Their cash asset exemption will rise from $45,000 to $55,000. The exemption
thresholds for all groups will then increase by $10,000 a year, progressively removing asset testing.
Affordable healthcare for more Kiwis
One in four New Zealanders, about a million people, now receive their primary health care through Primary Health
Organisations (PHOs). From April 1, 22 new PHOs began operating, bringing to 34 the number established since last July.
Health Minister Annette King says most PHOs are funded to allow enrolled patients to pay $20 or less for a standard
visit to see a doctor or other health care worker. A government injection of $400 million over three years is allowing
PHOs to be introduced progressively throughout the country.
Tabling of initial trade in services offer
The government has made public its initial offer for the latest round of negotiations in the General Agreement on Trade
in Services. Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton says this was a first step in a negotiations process that would open
doors for New Zealanders selling skills around the world. Jim Sutton says New Zealand doesn't have to open up its own
economy any more than it is already. Public health and education, and water distribution systems are not included in the
GATS offer. Jim Sutton says the interests of Maori, as reflected in the Treaty of Waitangi, continue to be upheld and
there will be no changes to the screening mechanisms for foreign investment or to government-held Kiwi shares.
Strengthened code for care of international students
The government is moving to strengthen the code of practice for pastoral care of international students and further
protect the billion-dollar export education industry. Education Minister Trevor Mallard says growth in export education
has been rapid over the last three years. The government had to ensure this was not at the expense of quality, did not
jeopardise our international reputation and that international students continued to be well cared for. Trevor Mallard
has launched a public discussion document looking at improvements to the code for pastoral care of international
students, including those on courses of less than three months and those aged under 13 years. Copies of the discussion
document at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international
Pilot project for youth in Porirua and Waitakere
Better employment prospects for 15-24 year olds is the focus of a regional scheme to be piloted in Porirua and
Waitakere. The pilots have received a total of $400,000 from the Ministry of Economic Development as part of a
whole-of-government drive to improve the transition of young people from school into quality employment. The pilots are
designed to match training and skill development with employment opportunities for young job seekers. Economic
Development Minister Jim Anderton and Social Services and Employment Minister, Steve Maharey say the Waitakere and
Porirua projects will contribute to the government's goal of ensuring all 15-19 year olds are engaged in appropriate
education, training or work by 2007.