John Carter MP
National Party Local Government Spokesman
7 April 2008
Civil Defence has no policy on consultation
National's Civil Defence spokesman John Carter is surprised the Ministry of Civil Defence and Management does not have a
policy on consultation.
"Answers to parliamentary written questions show that the ministry has no policy.
"I asked if it had a policy on consulting with education groups or providers and a formal policy on consulting with
stakeholders.
"Minister Rick Barker replied: 'I am advised that consultation by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management
with education groups or providers is determined on an issue-by-issue basis...and I am advised that consultation by the
Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management with stakeholders is determined on an issue-by-issue basis'.
"This is not good enough.
"It is concerning that a government department doesn't have a policy on consultation especially when I hear that they
have an obligation to consult in line with Department of Internal Affairs values of transparency and integrity.
"National would do better than that."
ENDS