Jo Goodhew MP National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman
19 March 2008
Ratepayers will pick up tab for Public Health Bill
Look out ratepayers, your rates will rise yet again if the Public Health Bill is implemented without significant
amendment, says National Party Associate Health spokeswoman Jo Goodhew.
"This bill involves unacceptable risk and cost to ratepayers by imposing significant compliance costs on councils and
businesses. It is not clear enough about who will do what and it requires enforcement without giving councils any
teeth."
She is commenting after Local Government New Zealand gave a submission to the Health Select Committee today on the
Public Health Bill, which updates powers for dealing with disease outbreaks and clarifies other public health
responsibilities.
"We were horrified to hear that, despite the Public Health Bill being drawn up over the past seven years, Local
Government NZ, a key stakeholder, had very minimal input to the drafting of the bill.
"The arrogant Labour Government has been caught out failing to consult, yet again.
"It is apparent that the Labour Government isn't interested in either making sure the Bill is affordable for ratepayers,
or even workable for key partner-territorial authorities.
"Local Government representatives say there has been ignorance or indifference to consultation on the part of the
Minister's officials.
"When homeowners are carrying the burden of higher mortgage costs, and spiralling fuel and food prices, the last thing
they need is more buck passing from central government that will result in higher rates."
ENDS