Mallard can’t be trusted with race policy review
As the race relations review enters its second phase, the Minister responsible is hiding details of Maori and Pacific
funding in the early childhood sector, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.
Trevor Mallard has refused to answer parliamentary questions about the allocation of the Early Childhood Discretionary
Grant Scheme.
Mr English says this scheme has been used to fund Maori and Pacific early child education centres.
“I have asked whether in each case there is, in fact, a licensed childcare centre now in existence. One marae-based
early childhood centre funded by the Maori funding pool closed within months of opening – leaving a good facility, but
no childcare.
The Minister says the work that would be required to answer my questions would not be an efficient use of parliamentary
resources.
“It’s unbelievable that the Ministry of Education can’t tell whether the funding has been used to set up childcare
centres. Mr Mallard has given the same answer to 65 other questions concerning contestable funding pools in the early
childhood sector.
“When the Minister is so reluctant to make this information public you have to wonder what he’s trying to hide – another
failed scheme or an incompetent Ministry?
“Mr Mallard’s refusal to answer these questions is another symptom of the Government’s arrogant attitude to
parliamentary accountability. Official Information Act requests are frequently overdue and parliamentary questions are
not answered properly.
“Mr Mallard cannot be trusted to answer questions on his race-based policy review,” Mr English said.
Answers to written questions:
Question: What is the list of all organisations who received a grant from
the Early Childhood Discretionary Grant Scheme Maori Funding Pool in the
1999/2000, 2000/200, 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005 years?
Portfolio: Education
Minister: Hon Trevor Mallard
Date Lodged:27/10/2004
Answer Text: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 15798 (2004)
Attachment: None
Date Received:04/11/2004
Question: What is the list of all applications made to the Early Childhood
Discretionary Grants Scheme General Funding Pool in the 1999/2000,
2000/2001, 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005 years, listed by type of
application (for Planning or Capital Grants)?
Portfolio: Education
Minister: Hon Trevor Mallard
Date Lodged:27/10/2004
Answer Text: The information that the member requests is not readily
available. I do not consider that committing the resources required to
answer this question would be an efficient use of departmental resources.
This answer also replies to Questions for Written Answer 15799-15806,
15809, 15811, 15813, 15815, 15822, 15824-5, 15828, 15830, 15833-15848,
15853-15876, 15878-15896, 15898-15899.
Attachment: None
Date Received:04/11/2004