INDEPENDENT NEWS

Labour attempts to hide the truth in election year

Published: Wed 4 May 2005 12:07 AM
Labour attempts to hide the truth in election year
“Labour is attempting to subvert the democratic process in election year,” claims National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins.
“Hundreds of legitimate parliamentary questions are going unanswered, and, without notice, Labour is changing the way in which it measures key social indicators.
“Labour’s ruthless manipulation of the facts means that New Zealanders can no longer be assured they are being given accurate information from Ministers.
“Labour is bringing down the shutters. It is trying to prevent the Opposition from doing its job, and, worst of all, it is attempting to con the public. Ask any opposition party in Parliament and they’ll tell you the same thing.”
Ms Collins is quoting answers from Ruth Dyson as the latest example of Ministerial obfuscation.
“Earlier this year I asked the Minister how many children had three or more foster placements in the past year. The answers she provided showed a massive drop - painting the Government in a good light.
“After being forced to answer more questions on the issue, Ms Dyson confirmed she had arbitrarily changed the definition of the word ‘children’ without warning or any explanation.
“Previous answers (attached) show she’s changed the rules.
“This arrogant Labour Government thinks it can con the public by massaging statistics and hiding the truth. So much for open and transparent Government,” says Ms Collins.
Ends

Next in New Zealand politics

Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track Legislation
By: National Maori Authority
Comprehensive Partnership The Goal For NZ And The Philippines
By: New Zealand Government
Canterbury Spotted Skink In Serious Trouble
By: Department of Conservation
Oranga Tamariki Cuts Commit Tamariki To State Abuse
By: Te Pati Maori
Inflation Data Shows Need For A Plan On Climate And Population
By: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Annual Inflation At 4.0 Percent
By: Statistics New Zealand
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media