Labour Looking More Like Dictators Every Day

Wednesday 17 Dec 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

Releasing three critical reports on the failure of CYF on the same day media attention will be focused on the important seabed and foreshore report - and when the House has already risen - highlights Labour's utter distain for the Parliamentary process, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.

"Public scrutiny through the Parliamentary process is a fundamental component of our Westminster system. Denying the public the opportunity for a thorough review of government operations is an absolute disgrace. It's the sort of tactic more likely to be found in totalitarian states, rather than Western democracies," Dr Newman said.

"The reports into the Department's involvement into the tragic deaths of Kelly Gush, Tamati Pokaia, and their failure to record the phone call of Ron Burrows, father of Coral, will all highlight significant weaknesses in the way CYF operates.

"The report needs proper consideration, and a comprehensive response from CYF Minister Ruth Dyson.

"I call on the Minister to hold off releasing the reports today. One more day will not matter, but proper democratic scrutiny certainly does - and is crucially important on this issue," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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